less stable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less stable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a lower level of stability compared to another object or situation. Example: "The new software version is less stable than the previous one, leading to more frequent crashes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Georgia is more or less stable.

The Economist

That will create a less stable system".

The New York Times

Defections make the LRA less stable.

The Economist

But blue crabs have proved less stable.

The New York Times - Food

The map suddenly looks less stable.

The New Yorker

Asian voting patterns tend to be less stable than Latinos.

The Guardian - Opinion

· A weak supply in housing means a less stable economy.

The Guardian - Money

Conditions for investment are now less attractive and less stable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Never was a political marriage less stable, or more cynical.

The Guardian - Opinion

It threatens to make the government much less stable.

The Economist

This sort of cronyism makes the banking system less stable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less stable", ensure you clearly define what is being compared to what. For example, "This version is "less stable" than the previous one."

Common error

Avoid using "less stable" without specifying a point of reference. Saying something is "less stable" is meaningless if the reader doesn't know what it's being compared to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less stable" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a lower degree of stability compared to something else, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

44%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less stable" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to describe a state of reduced stability compared to a reference point. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various domains. While ubiquitous in both News & Media and Scientific writing, it's essential to provide context for clear comparison. To avoid ambiguity, always specify what is being compared and why, as vagueness is a common pitfall. Alternatives like ""more unstable"" or ""not as stable"" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you need to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more unstable

Reverses the direction, highlighting the instability rather than the reduction of stability.

not as stable

Uses a comparative structure to indicate a lower level of stability.

decreased stability

Uses a noun phrase to describe the condition of reduced stability.

somewhat shaky

Employs a more informal term to convey a lack of solidity or reliability.

relatively insecure

Focuses on the lack of security as a result of reduced stability.

slightly volatile

Highlights the potential for sudden change or disruption due to instability.

a bit precarious

Suggests a situation that is uncertain and potentially dangerous because of instability.

diminished robustness

Implies a reduction in the ability to withstand stress or challenges.

not entirely dependable

Focuses on the lack of reliability as a consequence of being less stable.

prone to failure

Emphasizes the increased likelihood of problems or breakdowns due to instability.

FAQs

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

You can use "less stable" to compare the stability of two or more things. For example, "The new operating system is "more unstable" than the older one," or "This chemical compound is "less stable" at high temperatures".

What is a good alternative to "less stable"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "more unstable", "not as stable", or "somewhat shaky". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "less stable" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "less stable" when you want to indicate that something has a reduced level of stability compared to something else. This could apply to physical objects, systems, relationships, or even abstract concepts.

What makes something "less stable"?

The reasons something might be "less stable" vary widely. It could be due to changes in its composition, external forces, inherent weaknesses, or a combination of factors. The context usually provides clues.