less responsive to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less responsive to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something or someone shows a reduced level of reaction or engagement towards a stimulus or situation. Example: "The new software update has made the system less responsive to user commands, causing frustration among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The brain becomes less responsive to external stimuli, making it difficult to awaken.

Harvard University

There's evidence that government is less responsive to people of color.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The elevation of primaries has made parties less responsive to ordinary voters.

The New Yorker

Conversely, centralized purchasing tends to be more bureaucratic and less responsive to local or market needs.

Harvard Business Review

With this protection, demand for the brand will be less responsive to promotional price cutting.

Harvard Business Review

Some individuals are less responsive to aspirin's antiplatelet effect, a phenomenon termed aspirin resistance.

American Heart Journal

However, bypassing the intermediate tier in the chain might cause companies less responsive to demand variability.

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

There was no evidence that older persons were less responsive to treatment than younger persons.

The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

One is that local officials here are less responsive to public complaints than their American counterparts.

The New York Times

That could make him less responsive to females in heat and less susceptible to various health problems.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the main part of the book, however, things are less responsive to life's twists and turns.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less responsive to", ensure that the subject and object of the phrase are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what is less responsive and to what it is less responsive.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is "less responsive to" a particular stimulus in one context, it will be in all contexts. Responsiveness is often context-dependent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less responsive to" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, describing a reduced degree of reaction or sensitivity towards something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a standard and acceptable English construction. For example, "The brain becomes less responsive to external stimuli".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less responsive to" is a versatile and commonly used adjectival phrase that describes a reduced level of reaction or sensitivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use across various contexts. Its high frequency in scientific literature, news media, and business contexts underscores its relevance in formal, neutral, and professional communications. When using "less responsive to", ensure clarity by specifying both the subject and object of the phrase. Consider alternatives like "less reactive to" or "less sensitive to" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less reactive to

Replaces "responsive" with "reactive", focusing on the immediacy of the reaction.

less sensitive to

Emphasizes a decreased level of sensitivity or awareness.

not as receptive to

Highlights a reduced capacity to receive or accept something.

less susceptible to

Focuses on decreased vulnerability or proneness to being affected.

less affected by

Indicates a reduced impact or influence from something.

not as easily influenced by

Expresses a diminished ability to be swayed or changed.

shows a weaker response to

Explicitly states that the reaction is diminished.

demonstrates a reduced sensitivity to

More formal way of saying shows a reduced reaction or sensitivity.

exhibits decreased responsiveness to

Formal and technical alternative for expressing a reduction in response.

displays diminished reaction to

Emphasizes the display or outward manifestation of a reduced reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "less responsive to" in a sentence?

You can use "less responsive to" to describe something that reacts weakly or slowly to a stimulus. For instance, "The patient is "less responsive to" medication after prolonged use".

What are some alternatives to "less responsive to"?

Alternatives include "less reactive to", "less sensitive to", or "not as receptive to", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "less responsive than" instead of "less responsive to"?

While "less responsive than" is grammatically correct, it serves a different purpose. Use "less responsive to" when indicating a reduced reaction to something specific. Use "less responsive than" when comparing the responsiveness of two different subjects.

What does it mean when something is described as "less responsive to" treatment?

It typically means the treatment is not as effective as expected or previously observed. It could indicate the condition has become resistant or that the individual's physiology makes them "less susceptible to" the treatment's effects.