less than ideal

USAGE SUMMARY

"less than ideal" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English and can be used in a variety of situations.
For example, you could say: "Given the current circumstances, the outcome of the negotiations was less than ideal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"But it's less than ideal".

The New York Times

This was less than ideal.

The Economist

The situation is less than ideal.

Independent

Conditions will be less than ideal.

The New York Times - Sports

It is, however, less than ideal.

The Economist

The running conditions were less than ideal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Particularly those embarrassed by their less-than-ideal physiques?

The New York Times

Her only complaint is less-than-ideal cellphone reception.

The New York Times

Houses in less-than-ideal condition sell in the low $200,000 range, Ms. Doyle said.

The New York Times

But not before spending a few less-than-ideal years upstate, in the country.

The New York Times

"We had a less-than-ideal trip in the Kentucky Derby," Harty said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less than ideal" to diplomatically describe situations without being overly negative or critical. It softens potentially harsh judgments.

Common error

While "less than ideal" is useful, avoid excessive euphemisms in formal writing. Directness can improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than ideal" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or situation. It indicates that something is not perfect or optimal, but still acceptable or manageable. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less than ideal" serves as a useful, diplomatic way to describe situations that are not perfect without resorting to overly negative language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various fields like News & Media, Academia, and Science. While versatile, consider more precise language in highly formal or scientific writing, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity. Related alternatives include "suboptimal" and "not ideal", offering similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not ideal

A slightly more direct rewording, maintains a similar level of formality and impact.

imperfect

Simply states that something is not without flaws, akin to "far from perfect".

not optimal

Mirrors 'suboptimal' in conveying a situation is not at its best possible state.

suboptimal

This single word efficiently conveys the idea of something not being at its best, offering a concise alternative.

unsatisfactory

Directly expresses that something is not good enough or does not meet requirements.

less than satisfactory

Adds slight emphasis compared to "unsatisfactory", stressing the disappointment.

far from perfect

Emphasizes the imperfection of a situation, highlighting the gap between the current state and the desired one.

not up to par

Suggests the situation fails to meet a required standard or expectation.

deficient

Highlights a lack or shortage of something essential or desirable.

leaves much to be desired

Indicates dissatisfaction and the presence of significant shortcomings.

FAQs

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

Use "less than ideal" to describe a situation that isn't perfect but is tolerable. For example, "The weather for the picnic was "less than ideal", but we still had fun."

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

In formal contexts, consider using "suboptimal" or "unsatisfactory" to convey a similar meaning with increased gravitas.

Is it okay to use "less than ideal" in academic writing?

Yes, "less than ideal" is acceptable, but use it sparingly. More precise language might be preferable depending on the specific context and field. Ensure your phrasing maintains a professional tone.

Which is correct, "less than ideal" or "fewer than ideal"?

"Less than ideal" is used for uncountable nouns or situations, while "fewer than ideal" is for countable nouns. For example, "There were "fewer than ideal" resources available" versus "The outcome was "less than ideal"."