less usable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less usable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as functional or practical as another option. Example: "The new software update has made the interface less usable than before, causing frustration among users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The engineers tend not to notice when more options make a product less usable.

The New Yorker

Some of the changes are good, others are a matter of taste, while some make Android less usable.

The Guardian - Tech

Your mileage may vary, but it's likely to be much less usable than an Ultrabook with a similarly-sized screen.

The Guardian - Tech

It was less usable for snorting; if dissolved, it would form a gel that would be hard to inject.

The New York Times

"The cumulative effect of these shadows will be to make the park less usable and less pleasant to be in," Mr. Kwartler said.

The New York Times

With Nassau County built up, Mr. Wieboldt said, planners have to look at infill development, apartments over stores and a reconversion of less usable spaces such as rundown shopping centers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

And work has started to convert other such reactors (there are some 130 worldwide) to run on less weapons-usable low-enriched uranium.

The Economist

"There will be new housing there that is more usable, less dangerous," she said.

The New York Times

The island is down to one road about two miles long, and less than 100 usable acres.

The New York Times

We can make our networks more or less viewable and usable, if the social networking services allow it.

Forbes

But there are plenty of other changes that also aim to de-clutter the interface, including a redesigned mini player, options for picking the next track or album to play quickly and easily without wading through your entire collection, and a new store redesign that takes the overwrought mess that marketplace has become and distills it down to a less dense, more usable interface.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product or feature, specify what made it "less usable". Providing context helps your audience understand the specific limitations or drawbacks.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "less usable" without explaining why. A vague statement lacks informative value. Be specific about the factors contributing to the decrease in usability, such as confusing interface, slow performance, or limited compatibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less usable" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the degree to which something can be used effectively or easily. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less usable" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a reduction in functionality or practicality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts including news, science, and general discussions. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to provide specific details regarding why something is "less usable" to maximize clarity. Alternatives such as "less practical", "less functional", or "harder to use" can be considered based on the specific context. Ensure you avoid overgeneralization and provide concrete reasons for the diminished usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less practical

Emphasizes the reduced practicality or usefulness in a real-world context.

less functional

Focuses on the diminished ability to perform its intended functions.

less convenient

Highlights the reduction in ease of use and convenience.

more cumbersome

Suggests the item or system is now more difficult or awkward to use.

less efficient

Implies a reduction in productivity or effectiveness.

harder to use

Simple and direct way of expressing the diminished usability.

less accessible

Focuses on the reduction in ease of access or availability.

more challenging to use

Emphasizes the increased difficulty in utilizing the item or system.

not as user-friendly

Specifically refers to a decline in the ease and pleasantness of the user experience.

diminished in utility

A formal way of saying the item has a lower degree of usefulness.

FAQs

What does "less usable" mean?

The phrase "less usable" describes something that is not as functional or practical as it once was, or compared to another option. It implies a reduction in effectiveness or ease of use.

What can I say instead of "less usable"?

You can use alternatives like "less practical", "less functional", or "harder to use" depending on the specific context.

How can I improve the usability of a product that is "less usable"?

To improve usability, identify the specific pain points that make the product "less usable". This could involve simplifying the interface, improving performance, increasing compatibility, or providing better documentation. User feedback is crucial in this process.

Which is the correct way to write: "less usable" or "fewer usable"?

"Less usable" is correct when referring to a general quality or characteristic. "Fewer" is used with countable nouns (e.g., "fewer usable features").