less skilled

USAGE SUMMARY

"less skilled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two levels of skill, for example: "He is a less skilled writer compared to her".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Shifts in skill requirements most impact entry-level workers (those "more" educated and less skilled).

TechCrunch

But for less skilled workers it's a different story.

The New Yorker

But he was less skilled at closing a deal.

The New York Times

In less skilled hands this would be clever but facetious.

The Guardian

The "jobless recovery" mainly involved the less skilled.

The New York Times

Newcomers were, on average, less skilled than Germans.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Yet, high and protracted unemployment plagues many less-skilled workers.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it also needs legions of the less-skilled, too.

The Economist

Aerobic digestion is applied in small plants, as it requires less-skilled workers.

Industrial Waste Treatment Contemporary Practice and Vision for the Future

Unfortunately, most "free trade" advocates only want less-skilled workers to face international competition.

The New York Times

Less-skilled women are trapped in poorly paid jobs with hand-to-mouth child-care arrangements.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing skill levels, clearly define the specific skill you are referencing. For example, "less skilled in data analysis" is more precise than simply "less skilled".

Common error

Avoid using "less skilled" without context. Saying someone is "less skilled" without specifying the skill can be vague and potentially offensive. Always provide context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less skilled" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate a lower level of proficiency or competence in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage and frequent appearance in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less skilled" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase for denoting a lower level of proficiency, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports and academic analyses to everyday conversations. When using "less skilled", it is crucial to provide specific context to avoid vagueness and potential offense. Alternatives such as "less proficient" or "less experienced" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its frequent use in discussions about workforce capabilities, training needs, and comparative analyses of skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less skillful

A direct synonym, emphasizing a lack of skill.

less proficient

Highlights a lower level of competence.

less adept

Indicates a lack of natural ability or quickness in learning.

less adroit

Similar to 'less adept', emphasizing a lack of dexterity or skillfulness.

less clever

Focuses more on intelligence rather than skill.

less experienced

Emphasizes a lack of practical exposure or training.

less gifted

Implies a natural talent is lacking.

less qualified

Highlights that someone doesn't meet required qualifications.

less handy

Refers to practical skills, especially with tools or manual tasks.

less specialized

Points out a broader range of skills instead of specific expertise.

FAQs

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

You can use "less skilled" to compare abilities, for example: "He is "less skilled" at coding than she is".

What are some alternatives to "less skilled"?

Alternatives include "less proficient", "less experienced", or "less adept", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "fewer skilled" instead of "less skilled"?

While "fewer" is used for countable nouns, "less" is appropriate for abstract qualities like skill. Therefore, "less skilled" is generally correct.

What's the difference between "less skilled" and "less experienced"?

"Less skilled" implies a lower level of competence, while "less experienced" simply indicates a lack of practical exposure. Someone can be skilled but inexperienced, or vice versa.