less than realistic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than realistic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not very realistic or practical, often in a critical context. Example: "The proposed budget for the project seems less than realistic given the current economic conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Allen also has no problem keeping French cinema-goers on side, despite his new film's less than realistic view of life in the French capital.

The Guardian - Film

The idea that all European problems would be solved by building Europe "from the West" turned out to be less than realistic and probably unworkable.

The New York Times

It would be less than realistic to call this production of "King Roger" a total triumph.

Los Angeles Times

And to show it in any way that was glamorized, or less than realistic, would feel silly.

Huffington Post

In much the same way as Atticus' bromides — "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience" — such elements strike me now as less than realistic, more the stuff of myth.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Google currently offers a cardboard smartphone holder that acts as a low-tech headset but offers a less-than-realistic virtual world.

The Guardian - Tech

WASHINGTON — It might seem to be a less-than-realistic plan: Put nearly 200 preteens in one large classroom space and expect each of them, with the help of laptops and a few teachers, to learn math at his or her own pace.

Independent

Let's face it, most venture-backed companies sell to the highest bidder and not the best dancing partner, as such, they may pitch a story and paint a picture that is less-than-realistic at best and downright false at worst.

TechCrunch

2. Be Realistic - Assume Less Than Half Is Yours.

Huffington Post

"The language of cartooning, likewise, is the language of reduction; it's less descriptive than realistic artwork or film, and is less likely to replace the reader's vision.

The Guardian - Books

Eyelashes in anime are more bold and less feathery than realistic drawings Shade In.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less than realistic", ensure the context is clear about what standard of realism is being applied. Provide specific reasons or examples to support the assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "less than realistic" as a dismissive label without providing constructive feedback or a more grounded alternative. Instead, offer suggestions to make the idea or plan more viable.

Linguistic Context

"Less than realistic" functions as a descriptive phrase, often an adjective phrase, used to qualify a noun or idea. It indicates a quality of something not being very grounded in reality or practicality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less than realistic" is a valid and useful phrase for expressing that something is not entirely grounded in reality, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions descriptively, often serving to critique or express doubt in a neutral register. While not very common, its frequency is still categorized as uncommon. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, science and wiki articles, reflecting its use in assessing ideas and plans. When using "less than realistic", be sure to provide context and reasons for your assessment to enhance clarity. Related phrases such as "somewhat unrealistic" or "impractical" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific meaning you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat unrealistic

Adds a slight emphasis, indicating a mild departure from reality.

not entirely realistic

Emphasizes the partial lack of realism.

a bit far-fetched

Suggests the idea is imaginative and unlikely.

rather impractical

Focuses on the lack of practicality.

not quite plausible

Highlights a deficit in believability.

approaching fantasy

Suggests the idea is moving towards the realm of imagination.

hardly believable

Underlines a strong sense of incredulity.

bordering on the absurd

Indicates the idea is almost ridiculous or irrational.

out of touch with reality

Highlights a disconnection from the real world.

divorced from reality

Emphasizes a complete separation from the real world.

FAQs

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

You can use "less than realistic" to describe plans, expectations, or portrayals that are not very grounded in reality. For example: "The proposed timeline for the project seems "less than realistic" given the limited resources."

What are some alternatives to "less than realistic"?

Some alternatives include "somewhat unrealistic", "impractical", "far-fetched", or "implausible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "less realistic" or "more unrealistic"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "less realistic" is generally preferred as it sounds more natural and is more commonly used. "More unrealistic" can sound awkward in some contexts.

What's the difference between "less realistic" and "unrealistic"?

"Unrealistic" implies a complete detachment from reality, while "less realistic" suggests that something has elements of reality but is not entirely grounded or practical. It's a matter of degree; something "less realistic" is not as extreme as something that is completely "unrealistic".