less welcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less welcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling where someone or something is not as accepted or appreciated as another. Example: "The new policy was met with less welcome than anticipated from the staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some lessons have been less welcome.

The Guardian

Last summer, a less welcome challenge arrived.

Independent

And that is much, much less welcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

There were other, less welcome, changes.

The New York Times

That may be less welcome than it sounds.

The Economist

That's good at higher speeds, less welcome around town.

Independent

A less welcome overture came from his estranged dad.

Independent

The return of another kind of news was less welcome.

The New Yorker

Delta is making other, less welcome, changes too.

The New York Times - Travel

It may be less welcome news to companies like Nintendo.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But a less-welcome visitor — sea algae — has created a messy problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less welcome", ensure the context clearly indicates what the alternative, more welcome, scenario would be. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "less welcome" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound informal. Opt for stronger, more precise language when possible to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less welcome" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something or someone that is not as accepted, desired, or appreciated as another. Ludwig AI shows how it's frequently employed to express a diminished level of acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less welcome" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that expresses a diminished level of acceptance or desirability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's particularly common in news and media, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. While it effectively conveys a negative sentiment, writers should consider stronger or more formal alternatives depending on the specific tone required. Remember to provide clear context to maximize the impact of your message, and be mindful of overuse in highly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as welcome

A direct comparison, indicating a lower degree of being welcomed.

less favorably received

Focuses on the negative reception or response to something.

not so well received

Highlights that something wasn't received in a good or positive manner.

less desired

Focuses on a reduced level of wanting or wishing for something.

less appreciated

Highlights a lower level of gratitude or valuing something.

not as gladly accepted

Indicates a lower level of willingness to receive something.

less agreeable

Emphasizes a lower level of pleasantness or agreement.

less warmly embraced

Emphasizes a reduced level of enthusiasm in acceptance.

less enthusiastically greeted

Focuses on a reduced level of excitement in response.

less pleasantly anticipated

Highlights a reduced level of positive expectation.

FAQs

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

You can use "less welcome" to describe something that is not as accepted or appreciated as something else. For example, "The new restrictions were "less welcome" than the previous guidelines."

What's a more formal alternative to "less welcome"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "less desirable", "less favorable", or "less agreeable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "less welcomed" instead of "less welcome"?

While "less welcomed" isn't incorrect, ""less welcome"" is the more common and natural-sounding phrase. "Less welcomed" might be appropriate in specific, passive-voice constructions, but "less welcome" generally serves better.

Which is the difference between "less welcome" and "unwelcome"?

"Less welcome" suggests a reduced level of acceptance, while "unwelcome" implies a complete lack of acceptance or even active opposition. "Unwelcome" is a stronger, more negative term.