less than unity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than unity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is less than one, or is a fractional number. For example, "The probability of observing this phenomenon is less than unity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However a value closer to and less than unity is generally recommended.

Digital Signal Processing

For all seven species, the value of the power was less than unity.

Annals of Botany

If k is less than unity, a chain reaction cannot be sustained.

Britannica

However, a considerable body of experimental data show a power dependence less than unity.

Combustion and Flame

Abnormally low (less than unity) tortuosity factors which decrease with temperature were obtained.

Chemical Engineering Science

Lateral heat loss causes flame oscillation even at fuel Lewis number less than unity.

Combustion and Flame

These controllers guarantee that the closed-loop interconnected system is well-posed, stable and has H∞ norm less than unity.

Systems & Control Letters

The dependence of the growth exponent on average boundary mobility may explain experimental observations of exponents less than unity.

Acta Materialia

The selectivity coefficients for different cations determined by mixed solution method were found to be less than unity.

Electrochimica Acta

A ratio of the diffusion coefficient in the binary system to that in free water was less than unity.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

However, within the radius of 100 kpc, the value of α is less than unity for A1835 (0.47 ± 0.31).

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less than unity" in technical writing, ensure the context clearly defines what "unity" represents. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the scale being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "less than unity" when you actually mean "non-uniform". "Unity" refers to the number one, while "uniformity" refers to consistency or evenness. Using the terms interchangeably can lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than unity" functions as a quantitative descriptor, indicating that a value or measurement is smaller than the number one. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across diverse scientific and technical contexts to express fractional values, efficiencies, and ratios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

77%

Academia

14%

News & Media

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less than unity" is a technical term used to express that a value is smaller than one. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in scientific and academic contexts. It is employed to describe probabilities, efficiencies, ratios and other quantities. When using "less than unity", it is crucial to define what "unity" represents in the given context to avoid ambiguity. Common errors include confusing "unity" with "uniformity". For simpler communication, alternatives such as "smaller than one" or "below one" can be used. Overall, "less than unity" is a precise and useful term in technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smaller than one

Replaces "unity" with its numerical equivalent, offering a more straightforward expression.

less than one

Numerically specific; directly states that the quantity is not as large as one.

below one

Uses a simple preposition to indicate a value below the number one.

less than a single unit

Explicitly states the comparison to a single unit.

a value under one

Uses a simple way to express an inferior quantity to one.

a fraction of one

Emphasizes that the amount is a portion of a single unit.

fractional value

Focuses on the type of number rather than a direct comparison to unity.

not exceeding one

Indicates an upper limit of one, implying any value below it.

less than the whole

Uses "whole" as a contrast to part, which implies a number under one.

below the integer

Uses the term integer for being mathematically specific.

FAQs

How do I use "less than unity" in a sentence?

Use "less than unity" to describe a value, ratio, or quantity that is smaller than one. For example, "The efficiency of the engine is "less than unity", indicating energy losses."

What's an alternative way to say "less than unity"?

You can use phrases like "smaller than one", "below one", or "less than one" to convey the same meaning as "less than unity".

In what contexts is "less than unity" commonly used?

"Less than unity" is often used in scientific, mathematical, and engineering contexts to describe values such as probabilities, efficiencies, or ratios that are fractional or decimal values between zero and one.

Is "less than unity" formal or informal language?

"Less than unity" is considered formal and technical language. In more casual contexts, it's better to use simpler phrases like "smaller than one".