less than amused

USAGE SUMMARY

"less than amused" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of discontent or displeasure about something. For example: I was less than amused when my boss gave me more work to do on the weekend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

#instafollow Others were less than amused by his crass tweet.

Independent

The Democrats are less than amused by these Republican efforts.

The New York Times

More than one mother was less than amused.

The New York Times

Planners are less than amused by these paradoxes.

The New York Times

But Rosberg looked less than amused when Hamilton threw a cap into the German's lap.

The Guardian - Sport

But Coach Jeff Van Gundy was less than amused with the crowd's reaction inside Madison Square Garden.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Yet he seemed less annoyed than amused by my line of questioning.

The New York Times - Magazine

But when I suggest that he sounds less enraged than amused by religion, he says quickly: "Well, it does make me angry, because it causes a great deal of harm and unhappiness".

The Guardian - Books

Sparklers on a birthday cake set off the fire alarm, drawing a less-than-amused response from the fire department.

The New York Times

Understandably, Katwala is feeling less-than-amused by the comment, which he claims reveals more than a little tacit prejudice from Hannan.

Independent

They will have a sore something else in the coming days, given the post-match remarks of the big-spending French club's less-than-amused owner, Mourad Boudjellal, who accused his team of not showing the Blues enough respect by turning down the chance of a routine penalty with the game still in the balance.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reaction, "less than amused" is useful to express that the reaction isn't necessarily angry, just not enthusiastic or pleased. This allows you to express a subdued form of disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "less than amused" too frequently, as it can become monotonous. Vary your descriptions of negative reactions with more specific emotions like "annoyed", "disappointed", or "irritated" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than amused" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being. It indicates a lack of amusement or a mild state of displeasure. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing reactions to events or situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less than amused" is a common and grammatically correct way to express mild displeasure or a lack of amusement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and easily understood. Analysis of various sources shows it frequently appears in News & Media, conveying subtle negative reactions. The phrase occupies a neutral register, making it suitable for various communication contexts. When writing, use it to express a state that isn't necessarily angry or upset but not enthusiastic or pleased, either. Consider alternatives such as "slightly displeased" or "a bit annoyed" for nuanced meanings. Avoid overuse to maintain writing engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather displeased

This alternative increases the intensity of the displeasure, making it more noticeable.

slightly displeased

This alternative suggests a mild level of dissatisfaction, focusing on the feeling of displeasure rather than the absence of amusement.

not exactly thrilled

This alternative emphasizes the lack of excitement or enthusiasm, suggesting disappointment or disapproval.

a bit annoyed

This alternative highlights a feeling of irritation or slight anger, going beyond a simple lack of amusement.

somewhat irritated

This alternative is stronger than "less than amused", indicating a higher degree of annoyance.

not very happy

This alternative is a more general expression of unhappiness, which can be used in a wider range of situations than "less than amused".

not particularly delighted

This alternative focuses on the absence of joy or pleasure, indicating a negative reaction.

not in the best humor

This alternative describes someone's mood or state of mind, implying a lack of amusement due to their overall disposition.

underwhelmed

This alternative suggests a feeling of disappointment because something did not meet expectations.

dissatisfied

This alternative is a straightforward expression of discontent, without specifying the reason.

FAQs

How can I use "less than amused" in a sentence?

You can use "less than amused" to describe someone's reaction to a situation they find disappointing or irritating. For example, "She was "less than amused" when she found out her flight was delayed".

What's a more formal alternative to "less than amused"?

In more formal contexts, you might use "somewhat displeased" or "not entirely satisfied". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone. However, in most situations, "less than amused" is perfectly acceptable.

What's the difference between "less than amused" and "annoyed"?

"Less than amused" suggests a mild lack of pleasure or slight irritation, while "annoyed" implies a stronger feeling of displeasure or anger. "Annoyed" indicates a higher level of negative emotion.

Is it appropriate to use "less than amused" in professional communication?

Yes, "less than amused" is generally appropriate in professional communication when you want to express mild disapproval or dissatisfaction without being overly critical. However, be mindful of your audience and the context of your communication. "Displeased" may be more fitting in certain scenarios.