less sensitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less sensitive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as easily affected or responsive to stimuli, emotions, or reactions compared to something else. Example: "This new material is less sensitive to temperature changes, making it ideal for outdoor use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Italian Italians are less sensitive.

The New York Times

"There are less sensitive areas".

The New York Times

I think I'm less sensitive.

The New Yorker

Less sensitive, if anything, I'd say.

The Guardian - Film

Other developers are less sensitive to public opinion.

The Guardian - Money

We suggest they pursue other options in less sensitive districts".

The New York Times

This makes the body less sensitive to pain.

The Guardian

"Men are less sensitive to such things'" he explained.

Independent

Consumers are often less sensitive to corporate problems.

The New York Times - Tech

(In less sensitive times, officers just called them "psychos").

The New York Times

Freight is less sensitive to terrorism than passenger travel.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical properties or scientific measurements, use "less sensitive" to indicate a lower degree of responsiveness to specific stimuli or changes. For emotional contexts, consider whether "less empathetic" or "more resilient" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "less sensitive" to describe a person's emotional state if the intended meaning is that they are inconsiderate or uncaring. "Less empathetic" or "insensitive" more accurately convey a lack of emotional awareness or consideration for others' feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less sensitive" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced degree of sensitivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable for describing something not easily affected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less sensitive" is a grammatically sound phrase widely used to indicate a reduced degree of responsiveness. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is suitable for describing items or people who are "less sensitive" to outside factors. While prevalent in scientific and news contexts, it's important to consider connotations when describing emotional states, opting for alternatives like "more resilient" to avoid misinterpretations. Remember that, as the data indicates, "less sensitive" is a comparative adjective phrase and functions to modify an object indicating a low level of sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as sensitive

Uses a more explicit comparison, emphasizing the degree of sensitivity.

not very sensitive

Emphasizes the lack of sensitivity rather than a comparison.

somewhat insensitive

Uses a single word to convey a reduced level of sensitivity.

not particularly sensitive

Adds a level of nuance, suggesting sensitivity is below average.

demonstrating reduced sensitivity

More formal and descriptive, suitable for scientific or technical contexts.

exhibiting lower sensitivity

Similar to above, emphasizes observation or measurement of sensitivity.

not prone to sensitivity

Indicates a characteristic or tendency rather than a current state.

showing decreased sensitivity

Suggests a change in sensitivity over time or in response to something.

comparatively resilient

Focuses on the ability to withstand stimuli rather than the initial reaction.

moderately unresponsive

Highlights the lack of response to stimuli rather than the sensitivity itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "less sensitive" to describe something that is not as easily affected by external stimuli, like "This instrument is "less sensitive" to vibrations". It can also describe a person, but with careful consideration.

What's a good alternative to "less sensitive" when describing emotions?

If you're talking about someone's emotional state, consider using alternatives like "more resilient", "less emotional", or "less reactive" to avoid sounding judgmental.

Is it correct to say someone is "less sensitive"?

While grammatically correct, saying someone is "less sensitive" can be perceived negatively. It's important to consider the context and whether alternatives like "more thick-skinned" or "less easily offended" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "less sensitive" and "insensitive"?

"Less sensitive" implies a reduced degree of sensitivity compared to a norm, whereas "insensitive" suggests a complete lack of consideration for others' feelings. "Insensitive" carries a stronger negative connotation.