less wise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less wise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the wisdom of two or more subjects, indicating that one is not as wise as the other. Example: "In this situation, he was less wise than his older brother, who had more experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The world will be a sadder and less wise place.

The New York Times

I was 15 years younger then, 15 years less wise.

The New York Times

To be sure, experts aren't always less wise than crowds.

The New York Times

But it was rather less wise for the leader of a cold war superpower.

The Guardian

Osipova is almost the opposite of Cojocaru — much more strong, much less wise.

The New Yorker

"The wise man discusses ideas, the less wise man discusses actions, and the foolish man discusses people".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Her best friend, Lydia (Maisie Williams), is less worldly wise ("As you know, I'm a virgin") but equally defiant.

Independent

Decisions based on cheap credit will look less than wise.Mr Greenspan, the Fed's chairman, now has less than one year left in his job.

The Economist

Conservative pundits realized that berating the American public for its ungodly values was less than wise in a time of such overwhelming common feeling.

The New York Times

I know it marks me as an elitist to suggest that American voters are less than wise or well-informed, but yesterday's results really do seem to me like a textbook case of shooting oneself in the foot.

The Guardian - Opinion

That was less than wise, and must have ruffled a few feathers, but it is a far stretch from that to claim, as some have done, that it was directly responsible for Sindelar's death the following January.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less wise" to provide a softer critique, implying a deficit in understanding without being overly harsh.

Common error

Avoid using "less wise" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and nuanced terms like "imprudent" or "unadvised" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less wise" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lower degree of wisdom relative to something else. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less wise" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a comparative lack of wisdom. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, showing its versatility. While it functions as a comparative adjective phrase, it's essential to consider the context. For highly formal settings, alternatives like "imprudent" or "ill-advised" may be more appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, making it a reliable choice for expressing nuanced judgments about wisdom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less prudent

Emphasizes a lack of caution and foresight in actions or decisions.

less judicious

Focuses on a lack of sound judgment and careful evaluation.

less thoughtful

Focuses on the lack of consideration and contemplation in decision-making.

less circumspect

Highlights a lack of carefulness and awareness of potential consequences.

less shrewd

Focuses on a lack of practical intelligence and cunning.

less appropriate

Highlights the lack of suitability or fittingness in a given situation or action.

less reasonable

Emphasizes a lack of logical thinking and sound judgment.

less smart

Indicates a general lack of intelligence or understanding.

less intelligent

Directly points to a lower level of intellectual capacity.

less clever

Highlights a deficiency in quick-wittedness or ingenuity.

FAQs

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

You can use "less wise" to compare the relative lack of wisdom between two choices or individuals. For example, "Choosing to ignore the warning signs was "less wise" than he usually was".

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

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "imprudent", "ill-advised", or "unwise" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is it better to say "less wise" or "more foolish"?

The choice depends on the desired tone. "Less wise" is generally softer and implies a lack of judgment, while "more foolish" suggests a stronger degree of absurdity or lack of sense.

When is it appropriate to use "less wise"?

"Less wise" is appropriate when you want to suggest that a decision or action wasn't the smartest, but without being overly critical. It's suitable for expressing mild disapproval or regret.