less useful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less useful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the usefulness of two or more items, indicating that one is not as beneficial as the other. Example: "While both tools have their merits, the older model is significantly less useful than the newer version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That becomes less useful".

The Guardian - Arts

There, "The Three Rules" is less useful.

The Economist

No less useful were technical manuals.

The New York Times

"Paying companies to stay is less useful," Mr. Scott said.

The New York Times

But that background is often less useful to other employers.

The New York Times

Some were less useful for his purposes than others.

The Guardian - Film

Under Metcalfe's law, Facebook is vastly less useful than MySpace.

The New Yorker

Nowadays, security is less intrusive, less costly and less useful.

The Economist

A result is less useful searches for information.

The New York Times - Tech

Television advertising has never been less useful or relevant.

Independent

But some scientists are concerned that the resistance could spread, rendering Roundup herbicide less useful.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, use "less useful" to clearly indicate which one provides fewer benefits or has reduced functionality. For example, "In this scenario, method A is less useful than method B."

Common error

While "less useful" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "not as effective" or "suboptimal" to add nuance and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less useful" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a lower degree of utility or benefit. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it commonly appears when evaluating or contrasting the effectiveness of different options, tools, or methods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Huffington Post

5%

The Guardian

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less useful" serves as a straightforward and effective way to compare the utility of different options, indicating that one is not as beneficial as the other. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse, make it a versatile choice for expressing comparative evaluations. While "less useful" is widely applicable, diversifying your vocabulary with synonyms like "not as valuable" or "suboptimal" can enhance your writing. Understanding its function and purpose equips you to employ "less useful" effectively while maintaining clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as valuable

Emphasizes a decrease in worth or importance.

not as effective

Focuses on the reduced ability to produce a desired outcome.

less beneficial

Highlights a decrease in positive impact or advantage.

less helpful

Indicates a reduced capacity to provide assistance or support.

of limited use

Suggests that the item or concept has restrictions on its application.

not as practical

Focuses on the reduced applicability or suitability for real-world situations.

of diminished utility

Formally expresses a reduction in usefulness.

somewhat ineffective

Highlights slight inefficacy compared to full effectiveness.

not particularly advantageous

Emphasizes a lack of significant benefit or advantage.

suboptimal

Indicates performance that is below the best possible level or standard.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "less useful"?

You can use alternatives like "not as valuable", "not as effective", or "less beneficial" depending on the context.

How do I use "less useful" in a sentence?

You can use "less useful" to compare the utility of two things, for example: "This tool is less useful than that one for this specific task."

Is it correct to say "least useful" instead of "less useful"?

While "less useful" compares two items, "least useful" indicates the item with the absolute lowest utility among a group of three or more. Use "least useful" when identifying the single item that provides the fewest benefits.

What's the difference between "less useful" and "less effective"?

"Less useful" generally refers to a reduction in overall utility or practical application, while "less effective" specifically points to a diminished capacity to produce a desired outcome or result. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing general usability or specific performance.