less sympathetic to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less sympathetic to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a person's or group's attitude or feelings towards someone or something, indicating a lack of compassion or understanding. Example: "The critics were less sympathetic to the director's artistic choices in his latest film."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they said Mr. Bush was less sympathetic to that assertion.

The New York Times

Dulles, which is unfortunate as Dulles is far less sympathetic to Nehru than the Pres.

The New Yorker

Voters are less sympathetic to claimants than in Thatcher's 1980s, but may be turning kindlier now they see what's happening.

The Guardian - Opinion

Two of his colleagues are less sympathetic to psychological disorders, but probably not immune to all of them.

The New York Times - Arts

Even cool-headed Londoners complain that the new breed is less sympathetic to drivers' entreaties than old-style traffic wardens.

The Economist

Yet there is a bleak and growing sense that they could.Rebel fighters less sympathetic to extreme Islamism are struggling.

The Economist

But he said he suspected that the government was less sympathetic to his pets than to more cuddly creatures.

The New York Times - Science

Those Americans who were already turning less sympathetic to Taiwan have become even cooler since his remarks.

The Economist

As measured by polling data, the North is much less sympathetic to the United States than the South.

The New York Times

Updated at 5.24pm BST 2.29pm BST Hmm... So, as it this the nature of these things,Andrew Sheena is less sympathetic to Chander Sharma's comments below.

The Guardian - Sport

By 1965 a new Liberal-led state government was elected, led by Robin Askin, who was less sympathetic to the beleaguered project than his Labor predecessor.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less sympathetic to", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the reduced sympathy. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity and strengthen your argument.

Common error

Don't assume universal agreement when stating that someone is "less sympathetic to" something. Acknowledge diverse perspectives and provide evidence to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less sympathetic to" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a diminished level of empathy, understanding, or compassion towards the object of the preposition "to". Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less sympathetic to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a diminished level of empathy or understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently used in news and media, with occasional appearances in science and formal business contexts. While generally neutral, the tone can shift depending on the subject and source. When employing the phrase, provide clear context to avoid overgeneralizations and acknowledge diverse perspectives. The tool can also help to find alternatives like "less understanding of" or "more critical of", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less understanding of

Focuses on a lack of comprehension rather than a lack of compassion.

less compassionate toward

Emphasizes a lack of feeling for someone's suffering.

more critical of

Shifts the focus to expressing disapproval rather than lacking sympathy.

less inclined to support

Highlights a reduced willingness to offer assistance or advocacy.

less forgiving of

Stresses a reduced capacity to pardon or excuse.

less lenient with

Indicates a stricter approach or less tolerance.

more disapproving of

Highlights a stronger sense of disagreement or censure.

less charitable toward

Focuses on a lack of generosity or goodwill.

less disposed to favor

Indicates a reduced tendency to support or prefer.

less receptive to

Highlights a reduced willingness to listen or consider.

FAQs

How can I use "less sympathetic to" in a sentence?

You can use "less sympathetic to" to describe a person or group's reduced compassion or understanding towards someone or something. For example, "The public is becoming "less sympathetic to" the demands of striking workers."

What are some alternatives to "less sympathetic to"?

Alternatives include "less understanding of", "more critical of", or "less inclined to support", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "less sympathetic for" instead of "less sympathetic to"?

While "less sympathetic for" might be understood, "less sympathetic to" is the more standard and grammatically correct phrasing. It's always best to use "to" in this context.

What's the difference between "less sympathetic to" and "empathetic to"?

"Less sympathetic to" implies a reduction in compassion or understanding, while "empathetic to" means having the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. They are near antonyms.