less than success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that does not meet the standard of success or is below expectations. Example: "The project's outcome was less than success, leading the team to reevaluate their strategies for future initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

In the end, the bureaucratic structure of intelligence will matter less than success at gathering information.

The New York Times

Anything less than success would be a particularly stinging failure for ABC.

The New York Times

If you live within 10 miles of the power plants, as my family does, the stakes are too high for anything less than success.

The New York Times

That triumph in 2003 seems a long time ago and nothing less than success in the final on 31 October will please the coach's paymasters.

The Guardian - Sport

With Rangers, thanks to yesterday's strikes from Shota Arveladze and Thomas Buffel, now enjoying a healthy advantage in goal difference - they are five ahead - anything less than success for Martin O'Neill's side in Edinburgh will cause a reversal of the odds.

The Guardian - Sport

And, in a finite game of musical chairs, those New York students are being pitted not only against one another but also against more applicants from around the country and the world, who have become convinced that admission to a top college guarantees nothing less than success in later life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Despite the less-than-overwhelming success his second time around in the Ivies, Blackman once remarked: "I like the Ivy League -- the only conference where the coaches are paid more than the players".

The New York Times - Sports

In this study, the TB treatment success rate was less than the success target set by WHO.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Ford's first global design, the Mondeo, has been a success in Europe but less than a success in the U.S.

Forbes

It was a good reminder that the real currency in Hollywood is less principle than success.

The New York Times

"In the tumultuous love story between God and his people, failure was no less instructive than success," he continues a few pages later.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less than success" when you want to describe a situation where efforts or actions have not fully achieved their intended goals. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple negative phrases (e.g., "not less than success") as this can create confusion. Rephrase to use positive language or a more direct negative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than success" functions as a qualifier indicating a degree of achievement below the desired or expected level. It's often used to soften the impact of describing something as a complete failure. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less than success" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing outcomes that don't quite meet expectations. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its legitimacy and practical application. While not as blunt as "failure", it conveys a similar meaning with a touch more nuance. It's considered neutral in tone, suitable for diverse contexts like news reports, scientific papers, or general discussions. Be mindful to avoid stacking negatives to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "short of success" or "not entirely successful" can provide similar shades of meaning. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short of success

This alternative replaces "less than" with "short of", maintaining a similar meaning of not reaching the desired outcome.

not entirely successful

This alternative emphasizes that there were some successful aspects, but the overall result was not completely successful.

falling short of expectations

This alternative focuses on not meeting the anticipated or desired level of success.

a partial failure

This phrase highlights the aspect of failure, indicating that the endeavor did not fully succeed.

a limited success

This suggests that the success achieved was restricted or not as extensive as desired.

suboptimal outcome

This phrase focuses on the result being less desirable or effective than what was hoped for.

an imperfect achievement

This emphasizes that the outcome was achieved, but not without flaws or shortcomings.

a disappointing result

This emphasizes the feeling of disappointment associated with the lack of success.

a setback

This suggests a temporary delay or reversal in progress, falling short of success.

relative failure

The outcome isn't a total failure but considered one when compared with some standard of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "less than success" to describe a situation where something didn't fully achieve its intended goal. For instance, "The project's outcome was "less than success", prompting a reevaluation of strategies."

What are some alternatives to "less than success"?

Alternatives include "short of success", "a partial failure", or "not entirely successful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less than success"?

Yes, "less than success" is grammatically correct. It's a common phrase used to indicate that something did not fully meet expectations or achieve its goals, as also confirmed by Ludwig AI.

How does "less than success" differ from "failure"?

"Failure" implies a complete lack of success. "Less than success", on the other hand, suggests that there might have been some positive aspects or partial achievements, but the overall result was not fully successful.