less skill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less skill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or individual that possesses a lower level of skill compared to others or a standard. Example: "In this competition, the participants with less skill may struggle to keep up with the more experienced players."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"People have less time and less skill," he said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"A family meeting is a procedure, and it requires no less skill than performing an operation".

The New Yorker

He was generous to players with far less skill than himself.

The Guardian - Sport

Tubing requires less skill even than sledding, and almost anyone can play.

The New York Times - Travel

Tian and her partner, Wang, had more power than their opponents, but considerably less skill and guile.

The Guardian - Sport

Discovering them can take a long time and special expertise; deploying them tends to require much less skill.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

In contrast, nurses significantly contribute to performing less skill-required care.

Kontakt

However, in countries such as Kosovo, characterised with a very high unemployment rate of unskilled workers and slow growth in less skill-intensive tradable activities including manufacturing, it is hard to argue that high returns to education is a signal that human capital is a binding constraint to growth (Rodrik, 2010).

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In any event, where they are well-matched, they would deploy less skills but output would be unambiguously higher.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Math isn't even mentioned, much less skills in reconciling accounting data, forensic accounting audits, preparation of financial statements, budget forecasting, or financial modeling.

Huffington Post

"You can find trained workers in the population of 55 and older, or the 21 to 25-year-olds that are now coming in with less skills but ready to be trained.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less skill", ensure you're comparing it to something specific. For instance, instead of saying "He has less skill", specify "He has less skill than his predecessor".

Common error

Avoid using "less skill" as a blanket statement without context. Instead of saying "This job requires less skill", clarify which specific skills are less important or required, or provide a comparison, such as "This job requires less technical skill but more interpersonal skill".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less skill" functions as a quantifier + noun construction, indicating a lower degree or amount of ability. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it modifies a noun, denoting a deficiency or reduction in competence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less skill" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a reduced level of competence or ability. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across various contexts. It's crucial to provide context when using "less skill" to ensure clarity in your writing. Consider alternatives like "reduced proficiency" or "lower competence" to refine your message. As Ludwig's examples show, this phrase is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific publications, making it suitable for a range of communication needs. Always specify the comparison when using "less skill" to avoid ambiguity and ensure the message is clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weaker ability

Simple and direct way of indicating a reduced level of ability.

lower competence

Directly states a reduced level of competence.

reduced proficiency

Focuses on the decrease in competence or expertise.

diminished capability

Emphasizes the reduction in overall ability to perform a task.

inadequate expertise

Focuses on the insufficiency of knowledge or skill in a particular area.

limited aptitude

Highlights a natural lack of talent or ability.

deficient skill set

Highlights a lacking or incomplete set of skills.

lacking finesse

Emphasizes the absence of refinement or skill in performance.

decreased dexterity

Specifically refers to a reduction in physical skill or coordination.

underdeveloped talent

Suggests that the potential for skill exists, but it hasn't been fully realized.

FAQs

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

You can use "less skill" to compare abilities or describe tasks that require fewer abilities. For example, "This task requires "less skill" than the previous one", or "He demonstrated "less skill" than expected".

What is a good alternative to "less skill"?

Alternatives include "reduced proficiency", "lower competence", or "limited aptitude" depending on the specific context you intend to convey.

Is it better to say "less skill" or "fewer skills"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Less skill" refers to a general lack of ability, while "fewer skills" refers to a smaller number of specific abilities. Choose the phrase that best fits your intended meaning.

What are some professions that might require "less skill" compared to others?

Professions that are often automated or standardized may require "less skill" than specialized or highly technical roles. This doesn't diminish the value of those jobs, but rather highlights the different types of abilities needed.