less skillful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less skillful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has a lower level of skill or proficiency compared to another. Example: "Although he is less skillful than his peers, he shows great potential for improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

General writing

Professional communication

Creative writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Unfortunately, right now they are less skillful".

The New York Times

The less competent teams– less skillful teams take longer.

Harvard Business Review

His settlement of the company's affairs was less skillful.

Britannica

If observational records are incomplete, climate forecasts and projections are likely to be less skillful.

Columbia University

(Less skillful hands tend to distort something — sense, rhythm, syntax — to force rhymes into place).

The New Yorker

There is simply no basis for the unsubstantiated assertion that panel lawyers are less skillful and effective than public defenders.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

He found that it took a relatively small number of hands for skillful players to start winning more consistently than less skilled ones.

The Economist

But the choreography is never less than skillful, the dancers touching and adept.

The New York Times - Arts

He was never less than skillful.

The New York Times - Arts

The interleaving of the periods is never less than skillful, though I am not sure if a simpler narrative might not have been better.

The New York Times - Books

But the Tibetan government's response has been less than skillful, with incendiary speeches that have been easily interpreted as encouraging violence.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing skill levels, clarify the context in which someone is "less skillful". For instance, specify the area or task where their skill is lacking to provide a more accurate and helpful assessment.

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "less skillful" in one area implies a general lack of competence. Recognize that individuals may have varying levels of proficiency in different domains.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less skillful" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It describes a state of having a reduced level of skill compared to a reference point, whether explicit or implicit. Examples from Ludwig confirm its use in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less skillful" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, denoting a reduced level of proficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and consistent usage across diverse contexts make it a reliable choice for expressing comparative skill levels. While it is versatile and can be employed across formal and informal registers, being mindful of potential overgeneralizations and providing context are crucial for effective communication. The phrase commonly appears in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Encyclopedias", demonstrating its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as skilled

Uses a simpler structure to express a lower level of skill.

less adept

Employs a synonym for "skillful" to indicate a deficiency in ability.

not so proficient

Replaces "skillful" with "proficient" to denote a reduced level of competence.

lacking expertise

Focuses on the absence of specialized knowledge or skill.

somewhat incompetent

Uses a stronger term to suggest a degree of inability.

relatively unskilled

Adds "relatively" to indicate a comparison to others' skill levels.

not particularly talented

Highlights a lack of natural aptitude or gift.

deficient in skill

Emphasizes a shortage or absence of skill in a particular area.

weaker in ability

Directly compares ability levels, indicating a lower level.

not the best at

Uses an informal expression to describe a lack of skill in a specific task.

FAQs

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

You can use "less skillful" to compare someone's ability to others or to describe a deficiency in a specific area. For example, "He is "less skillful" than his brother at playing the guitar."

What's a formal alternative to "less skillful"?

Formal alternatives include "not as skilled", "less proficient", or "lacking expertise". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "less skillful" and "unskilled"?

"Less skillful" implies a lower level of skill compared to others, while "unskilled" suggests a complete lack of skill. Someone "less skillful" has some ability, just not as much as others. Someone "unskilled" has no ability.

Which is correct, "less skillful" or "less skilled"?

Both "less skillful" and "less skilled" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.