less rewarding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less rewarding" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to describe something that is not as fulfilling or satisfying as expected. Example: "Although the job offered a high salary, it proved to be less rewarding than I had hoped, as there was little room for creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Less rewarding.

The New York Times

Is it more or less rewarding?

The New Yorker

Other uses are less rewarding.

The Guardian - Opinion

Less rewarding was artichoke terrine.

The New York Times

Less rewarding, less work, but still fun.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nihilism has never been less rewarding.

The Guardian - Tech

Lower interest rates spur spending by making saving less rewarding.

The Economist

She finds time spent on marketing far less rewarding.

The New York Times

"Getting rid of a building is less rewarding".

The New York Times

Admittedly Mr. Sheen has the less rewarding job.

The New York Times

Sure, it's less rewarding than the full version.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task or activity, use "less rewarding" to subtly convey that it's not as fulfilling, rather than explicitly stating it's 'bad' or 'unpleasant'. This softens the criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "less rewarding" excessively in highly formal or technical documents. Opt for more precise alternatives like 'less profitable' or 'less efficient' for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less rewarding" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a comparative lack of satisfaction, benefit, or positive outcome. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from describing jobs and activities to evaluating food and art.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less rewarding" is a versatile phrase used to express a comparative lack of satisfaction or benefit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news, scientific and business contexts. While alternatives like "not as fulfilling" or "less satisfying" exist, "less rewarding" offers a subtle way to critique without being overly negative. To avoid overuse in formal settings, consider more precise synonyms like "less profitable" or "less efficient". As Ludwig examples demonstrate, its application spans various domains, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as fulfilling

Emphasizes the lack of personal satisfaction derived from something.

not as satisfying

Focuses on the reduced level of contentment or gratification.

less gratifying

Highlights the diminished pleasure or satisfaction experienced.

less fruitful

Suggests a reduced level of positive outcomes or results.

less productive

Indicates a lower level of output or achievement.

less beneficial

Focuses on the reduced advantages or positive effects.

less valuable

Highlights the lower worth or importance of something.

less advantageous

Emphasizes the reduced level of favorable circumstances or opportunities.

not worth the effort

Indicates that the outcome does not justify the amount of work required.

not as worthwhile

Implies a reduced sense of value or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "less rewarding" in a sentence?

You can use "less rewarding" to describe an activity, job, or relationship that provides fewer benefits or satisfaction than expected. For example, "Although the pay was good, the work itself was "less rewarding"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "less rewarding"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "not as fulfilling", "less satisfying", or "less gratifying".

Is it grammatically correct to say "less rewarding"?

Yes, "less rewarding" is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to compare the degree of reward, making it suitable for describing something that provides fewer rewards than something else.

What's the difference between "less rewarding" and "unrewarding"?

"Less rewarding" implies a lower degree of satisfaction or benefit compared to something else, while "unrewarding" suggests that something provides little to no satisfaction or benefit at all. "Less rewarding" is a comparative term, while "unrewarding" is absolute.