less unstable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less unstable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the stability of two or more things, indicating that one is more stable than the other. Example: "The new design is less unstable than the previous version, making it safer for users."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The war is draining the U.S. Treasury and has made the Middle East more, not less, unstable.

The New York Times

Quite a few sport utilities have become a little less unstable in recent years, the government data shows.

The New York Times

She was less unstable, the media less intrusive and there were, in the king's phrase, "Us Two" in that marriage, rather than the three in Charles and Diana's.

The Economist

Even with projected frequent shuttle flights, the expense of space disposal would probably have been too high for any but the most dangerous of wastes, which would have had to be separated from other less unstable materials.

The New York Times - Science

However, steep wave events are less unstable to wind perturbation in shallow water than in deep water.

European Journal of Mechanics - B-Fluids

For escorting non-ICU patients (clinically less unstable), a ED nurse or sometimes untrained personnels were deputed.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He's closed his mind to those who have argued that pre-emptive warfare will ultimately make the world more -- not less -- unstable.

The New York Times

He told me that I was mad, nothing less than unstable and possibly dangerous.

The New York Times

French-based Accor is unusual, owning 20% of its 4,000 hotels, with more in France, less in unstable countries: a "risk" rather than "return" strategy.The hotel recovery, by pushing up values, is a new reason to sell.

The Economist

Both stable (translocations, deletions and insertions) and the less common, unstable (dicentrics and fragments) chromosomal aberrations spontaneously accumulate with age.

Aging

The illnesses in these studies (for example, heart disease, cancer, arthritis) have tended to be less nosologically unstable than many psychiatric diagnoses (for example, Lindenmeyer et al, 2008).

BioSocieties

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less unstable" when directly comparing the relative stability of two or more entities, emphasizing that one is more stable than the other. For example, "This chemical compound is less unstable than its predecessor, making it safer to handle."

Common error

Avoid using "less unstable" when describing something in isolation. If something is generally stable, describe it as "stable" rather than "less unstable", as the latter implies a comparison that may not exist. For example, instead of saying "The foundation is less unstable", say "The foundation is stable" if there is no comparative context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less unstable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe something that exhibits a reduced degree of instability. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less unstable" is a grammatically correct and usable comparative phrase indicating a reduction in instability when comparing two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. While not as direct or frequent as "more stable", it serves a valuable purpose in highlighting improvements in stability. When using this phrase, ensure a clear comparative context to avoid ambiguity and consider alternative phrases like "more stable" or "relatively stable" for potentially clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more stable

Indicates a higher degree of stability, the direct opposite of "less unstable".

relatively stable

Implies stability is present, but only in comparison to something else or under certain conditions.

somewhat stable

Similar to "relatively stable", but emphasizes a smaller degree of stability.

marginally stable

Suggests only a slight degree of stability, bordering on unstable.

a bit more secure

Focuses on the security aspect of stability, implying reduced vulnerability.

slightly more settled

Highlights a reduction in turbulence or disruption, leading to more settled state.

not as precarious

Emphasizes that the situation is not as risky or uncertain as before.

not so volatile

Addresses the characteristic of volatility or rapid change, indicating a reduction.

showing improved resilience

Highlights ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

demonstrating greater steadiness

Suggests a decrease in erratic movements or fluctuations.

FAQs

How can I use "less unstable" in a sentence?

Use "less unstable" to compare two or more things, showing one is more stable than the other. For example, "The new software update is "less unstable" than the previous version, leading to fewer crashes."

What's a good alternative to "less unstable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "more stable", "relatively stable", or "somewhat stable".

Is it better to say "less unstable" or "more stable"?

Both are correct, but "more stable" is often clearer and more direct. "Less unstable" emphasizes a reduction in instability, while "more stable" emphasizes an increase in stability.

In what situations would I use "less unstable" instead of "more stable"?

Use "less unstable" when you want to highlight a reduction in a previously unstable condition. For example, "After the repairs, the bridge is "less unstable" than it was before the earthquake".