less sustainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less sustainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the sustainability of two or more options, indicating that one option is not as sustainable as another. Example: "The new manufacturing process is less sustainable than the previous one, leading to increased environmental impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This provided more insights in less sustainable components and its contextual barriers, which may also be relevant for other sustainability research.

BMC Public Health

One is less economical and the other is less sustainable.

The New York Times - Magazine

The commodity chocolate crops are also typically less sustainable.

The Guardian

The solutions may be less innovative and less sustainable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A struggling magazine division had depressed earnings, making Nine's large debt pile even less sustainable.

The Economist

Investors worry that makes Italy's debt less sustainable at current interest rates.

The Economist

They are weaker and less sustainable when the American people do not".

The New Yorker

The net result is this: Autocracy is less sustainable than ever.

The New York Times

Quarterbacks By the day, the situation grows less and less sustainable.

The New York Times - Sports

The military path in Afghanistan turned out to be less and less sustainable.

The New York Times

But in today's era of globalization it is much less sustainable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, use "less sustainable" to clearly indicate which one has a smaller negative impact on the environment or long-term resources. For example, "Option A is less sustainable than Option B due to its higher carbon footprint."

Common error

Avoid using "less sustainable" as a generic label. Always provide specific reasons or data to support why something is less sustainable, such as resource consumption, pollution levels, or impact on ecosystems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less sustainable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun has a lower degree of sustainability compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and acceptable construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less sustainable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase, meaning something is environmentally inferior relative to another option. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, it serves to express comparative assessments of environmental impact. To avoid generic use, always specify why something is "less sustainable". Alternatives include "more unsustainable" or "environmentally damaging", depending on context. Remember, clarity and specificity are key when discussing sustainability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more unsustainable

Indicates a stronger degree of unsustainability compared to "less sustainable".

not as sustainable

A more direct way of saying something is "less sustainable".

environmentally damaging

Focuses on the harm to the environment, rather than the sustainability aspect.

ecologically unsound

Highlights the ecological implications of something being "less sustainable".

resource-intensive

Emphasizes the consumption of resources, which can lead to reduced sustainability.

detrimental to the environment

A more descriptive and emphatic way to convey environmental harm.

harmful to the planet

Broadens the scope to the entire planet, emphasizing the global impact.

environmentally irresponsible

Focuses on the ethical aspect of not being sustainable.

suboptimal for long-term health

Shifts the focus to long-term health, which relates to sustainability.

posing an environmental threat

Highlights the danger associated with practices that are "less sustainable".

FAQs

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

Use "less sustainable" to compare alternatives, indicating one is environmentally inferior. For example, "Conventional farming is "less sustainable" than organic farming due to its reliance on synthetic fertilizers."

What are some alternatives to saying "less sustainable"?

Consider alternatives like "more unsustainable", "not as sustainable", or "environmentally damaging" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "less sustainable" or should I use another phrase?

"Less sustainable" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's appropriate for comparing the relative sustainability of different options or practices.

What makes something "less sustainable" versus simply "unsustainable"?

"Less sustainable" implies a comparative degree; it's not as good for the environment or long-term resource availability as something else. "Unsustainable" means it cannot be maintained at the current rate without depleting resources or causing significant harm.