less significance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less significance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the importance or impact of two or more things, indicating that one has a lower level of significance than the other. Example: "The new policy has less significance compared to the previous regulations that shaped our industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For such luminaries, performance skills are of less significance than Q ratings.

The New York Times

Professor Nordhaus advocates further discounting for the dubious reason that those born later have less significance.

The New York Times

If the clothes are ace and the clubs are rocking, then what goes under the belt has far less significance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's all important to each one, so we decided not to treat any of those areas with less significance".

The Guardian - Tech

"Movie palaces of less significance have been designated for landmark status in other cites and they are cultural monuments.

The New York Times

The contingent nature of the assets would have a lot less significance in the United States.

The New York Times

There is less significance to that tally than it would appear.

The New York Times

"When will prime time take on less significance than it does now?" Zenkel said.

The New York Times - Sports

But even as the dunk takes on less significance in his game, Carter, who still dunks quite often, knows it will always be basketball's most exhilarating play.

The New York Times - Sports

Hunt, on the other hand, gives less significance than I would to Thomas Rickman, a professor of architecture at Liverpool Academy whose "special pleasure was system".

The Guardian - Books

If the self has no meaning, its death has less significance; if the computer thinks it's you, then maybe it really is.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less significance", ensure it's clear what you are comparing it to. For example, instead of saying "The data has less significance", specify "The data has less significance compared to the previous study".

Common error

Avoid using "less significance" when "no significance" is more appropriate. "Less significance" implies some importance, while "no significance" indicates a complete lack of relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less significance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an object or complement within a sentence. It quantifies the degree to which something lacks importance or consequence, as seen in Ludwig's examples where various factors are described as having "less significance" than others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less significance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate reduced importance or impact. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to compare the relative importance of different elements. The phrase is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, demonstrating its versatility. While generally neutral, the formality can shift based on context. When using "less significance", ensure clear comparisons are established and consider whether "no significance" might be more accurate. Remember to select alternatives like "reduced importance" or "diminished relevance" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced importance

Emphasizes the act of diminishing the level of importance.

secondary importance

Highlights that something is important, but not as important as something else.

diminished relevance

Highlights a decline in the pertinence or applicability of something.

lower priority

Implies something is not as pressing or urgent as other matters.

decreased weight

Focuses on a reduction in the influence or impact of something.

limited consequence

Suggests the results or effects of something are not substantial.

minor consideration

Suggests that something is only a small or secondary factor.

negligible impact

Focuses on the minimal effect or influence something has.

smaller magnitude

Emphasizes a reduction in size or extent of something.

subordinate role

Implies a position of lower rank or importance in relation to something else.

FAQs

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

Use "less significance" to compare the relative importance of two or more things. For example, "The budget cuts meant that the marketing department had "less significance" within the company's overall strategy".

What's the difference between "less significance" and "less important"?

While both suggest reduced value, "less significance" often refers to a lower level of impact or meaning, whereas "less important" typically indicates a lower rank or priority.

What can I say instead of "less significance"?

You can use alternatives like "reduced importance", "diminished relevance", or "decreased weight" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "less significance"?

Yes, "less significance" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to indicate a lower degree of importance or impact.