less valuable

USAGE SUMMARY

'less valuable' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not worth as much as something else. For example: This car is much less valuable than the one I bought last year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He'd be less valuable if he were.

The New York Times

Stores are much less valuable for all.

The Guardian - Business

Did that make them less valuable?

The New York Times

"Since when has scandal made anything less valuable?" he asks.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And the subscribers are going to be less valuable".

The New York Times

"The Indians' contribution is not less valuable to this country".

The New York Times

You wonder why your time is so much less valuable".

The New York Times - Style

Non-quality people are seen as less valuable.

The Guardian

Is each medal somehow less valuable the more we win?

The Guardian - Sport

It is a world no less valuable for its insularity.

The New York Times

Mr. Koppel's efforts are no less valuable, though.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the value of two or more items, use "less valuable than" to clearly establish the relationship. For example, "This older model is less valuable than the latest version."

Common error

Avoid using "less valuable" solely in monetary contexts. Remember that value can be subjective and apply to qualities, experiences, or contributions. "His advice was less valuable than I had hoped" shows a non-monetary use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less valuable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate a diminished value relative to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less valuable" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a decrease in worth or importance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely accepted. It's most frequently used in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and business writing. When using "less valuable", it's crucial to consider the specific context to determine whether you are referring to monetary value, practical utility, or subjective importance. Related phrases like "of diminished worth" or ""not worth as much"" can provide alternative ways to convey similar meanings. Remember to avoid using "less valuable" solely in monetary contexts and clarify what aspects of value you are discussing to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not worth as much

Directly states a decrease in monetary or exchange value.

of diminished worth

Emphasizes the reduction in inherent value or merit.

not as precious

Highlights a decrease in rarity or sentimental significance.

of reduced importance

Focuses on the decline in significance or relevance.

less significant

Emphasizes a decrease in overall importance or consequence.

not as useful

Indicates a decrease in practical application or utility.

not as beneficial

Suggests a reduced positive impact or advantage.

less desirable

Indicates a reduction in appeal or attractiveness.

not as advantageous

Highlights a reduction in favorable circumstances or opportunities.

of lower quality

Implies a decrease in standard or excellence.

FAQs

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

You can use "less valuable" to compare the worth or importance of two or more things. For instance, "Due to the damage, the painting is now "not worth as much" as it used to be."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "less valuable"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "of diminished worth", "not as precious", or "of reduced importance".

Is it correct to say "fewer valuable" instead of "less valuable"?

No, "fewer valuable" is not grammatically correct. "Less" is used for uncountable nouns and concepts, while "fewer" is used for countable nouns. Since "valuable" describes a quality, "less valuable" is the correct choice.

What's the difference between "less valuable" and "worthless"?

"Less valuable" implies a reduction in worth, but the item still retains some value. "Worthless", on the other hand, means having no value at all. Something that is of reduced importance might be considered "less valuable", whereas something broken beyond repair is often deemed "worthless".