less wonderful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less wonderful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the degree of wonder or excellence of something, indicating that it is not as wonderful as something else. Example: "While the first movie was a masterpiece, the sequel was less wonderful in terms of storytelling and character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Summer's vocal is no less wonderful – ethereal and otherworldly.

The Guardian - Music

Modernized characacters are less wonderful than old ones.

The New Yorker

For me, the statue in proximity is something else: marvelous but actually less wonderful.

The New York Times - Arts

Then you said, "What a wonderful day!" and the day was less wonderful.

The New Yorker

This doesn't ruin poetry, or make Shakespeare any less wonderful; understanding does not dampen beauty.

The Guardian - Books

It doesn't make the wines less wonderful, just closer to the land from which they spring.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

A less than wonderful production of Richard Greenberg's wonderful comic drama about the waywardness of destiny and how it tarnishes the golden and the gifted.

The New York Times

So he has been laying off bets on himself: if the wondrous special effects prove less than wonderful, he says, then he wants Avatar, his new film, to be noted for its spiritual qualities.

The Guardian - Film

Employees who do not get them will have to find other ways of getting to work in a city with a less than wonderful bus network.

The Economist

Any book that is less than wonderful would seem like a sad comedown after the small golden age of the Hugo awards between 1959 and 1964.

The Guardian - Books

And with the help of my friends and family, who have all been nothing less than wonderful throughout what has been a confusing time for them, I think I will be OK.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less wonderful" to subtly express disappointment or a slight decrease in quality without being overly negative. For instance, "The second act was good, but the resolution was "less wonderful".

Common error

Avoid using "less wonderful" in highly formal or professional writing where a more direct and precise term would be preferable. Instead, opt for phrases like "less effective" or "less satisfactory".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less wonderful" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a reduced degree of wonder or excellence. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Books

14%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less wonderful" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative adjective phrase that expresses a reduced degree of wonder or excellence. While suitable for many contexts, Ludwig AI suggests it may be too informal for highly professional or scientific writing, where more precise language is preferred. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, "less wonderful" is most frequently found in news and media sources, and can be effectively used to convey a subtle sense of disappointment or a mild decrease in quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as great

A more general way to express something is not as good.

not as impressive

Focuses on the lack of impact or admiration.

somewhat disappointing

Highlights a sense of letdown.

slightly inferior

Indicates a minor difference in quality.

not quite as good

A more informal way to say something isn't up to par.

a bit underwhelming

Emphasizes a lack of excitement or impact.

not as remarkable

Focuses on the lack of exceptional qualities.

more ordinary

Highlights the commonness or lack of specialness.

relatively mundane

Suggests a lack of excitement or interest.

paler imitation

Indicates a weaker version of something else.

FAQs

What does "less wonderful" mean?

The phrase "less wonderful" means something is not as impressive, enjoyable, or excellent as something else. It indicates a comparative decrease in quality or appeal.

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

You can use "less wonderful" to compare two things, indicating one is not as good as the other. For example, "The sequel was entertaining, but the original movie was "far more wonderful"".

What are some synonyms for "less wonderful"?

Some synonyms for "less wonderful" include "not as great", "somewhat disappointing", or "slightly inferior". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "less wonderful" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "less wonderful" might sound informal in some formal contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "less effective" or "less satisfactory" to maintain a professional tone.