less reliable than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less reliable than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the reliability of two or more subjects, indicating that one is not as dependable as the other. Example: "The new software is less reliable than the previous version, leading to more frequent crashes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The technology is far less reliable than people realise.

The Economist

Such analyses, generally used to develop hypotheses, are seen as less reliable than uniform controlled studies.

The New York Times

"Surprisingly," the study said, the sequential lineups proved less reliable than the simultaneous ones.

The New York Times

But in some respects von Roenne was even less reliable than Kühlenthal.

The New Yorker

Some are very good, but locums tend to be less reliable than permanent members of staff.

The Guardian

He concludes that Gallup's polls are less reliable than his own.

The New Yorker

But that prediction, indeed all predictions, look less reliable than they have for some time.

The Economist

Then investors found them to be less reliable than shares of stock.

The New York Times - Sports

His backhand was less reliable than usual; his passing shots, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Progestin-only preparations are somewhat less reliable than the combination preparations but produce fewer side effects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mitochondrial tests are less reliable than the Y chromosome in tracing a person's origins to a particular region.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing reliability, ensure that the context clearly defines what aspects of "reliability" are being considered. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "less reliable than" without specifying the criteria for reliability. For example, instead of saying "This car is less reliable than that one", specify "This car is less reliable in winter conditions than that one."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less reliable than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one subject possesses a lower degree of reliability compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less reliable than" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is not as dependable or trustworthy as something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s suitable for a variety of contexts, from comparing news sources to evaluating scientific methods. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what "reliability" means to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "not as dependable as" or "more unreliable than" can offer slightly different nuances depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as dependable as

Emphasizes a lack of dependability, highlighting a comparison in trustworthiness.

more unreliable than

Directly states a greater degree of unreliability, intensifying the comparison.

not as trustworthy as

Focuses specifically on trustworthiness, suggesting a deficiency in integrity or honesty.

not quite as certain as

Indicates a lower level of certainty or assurance, implying a weaker conviction.

less predictable than

Highlights the lack of predictability, emphasizing inconsistency in behavior or outcome.

not as consistent as

Underscores a deficiency in consistency, pointing to erratic or variable performance.

not as valid as

Points to a weaker basis in truth or accuracy.

carries more uncertainty than

Stresses that it's related to more doubt/risks.

less credible than

Implies a lower level of believability or trustworthiness due to its poor authority.

presents more challenges than

Highlights that it has more difficulties, making it a difficult option.

FAQs

What does "less reliable than" mean?

The phrase "less reliable than" indicates that something is not as dependable or trustworthy as something else. It suggests a lower degree of consistency and predictability.

Which is correct, "less reliable than" or "fewer reliable than"?

"Less reliable than" is correct when comparing the degree of reliability between two things. "Fewer" is used for countable nouns, while "less" is used for uncountable nouns and abstract qualities like reliability.

What can I say instead of "less reliable than"?

You can use alternatives like "not as dependable as", "more unreliable than", or "not as trustworthy as" depending on the context.

How to use "less reliable than" in a sentence?

Use "less reliable than" to compare the dependability or trustworthiness of two subjects. For example: "The information from that website is "less reliable than" information from academic journals."