looks less good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks less good" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the appearance or quality of something, indicating that it is not as favorable as another option. Example: "The new design looks less good than the previous version, which had a more polished finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

John Wayne looks less good in a bowler.

The Guardian - Film

Adam nods in a knowing, thought-so kind of way, which looks less good broadcast the day after a four-nil drubbing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The past week's arrests show that the intelligence services and police are primed for pre-emption, but the authorities' ability to cope with the aftermath of an attack looks less good.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Strip out this state and things look less good.

The Economist

For tankers and bulk carriers the omens look less good.

The Economist

Its results would have looked less good (though still beaten expectations) without some one-off gains.

The Economist

Either way, GE Capital's return on equity currently a reported 22% would look less good.

The Economist

"It makes them look less good and it makes them look geeky, too.

The Guardian - Sport

For one thing, the profits look less good when compared to the vast amounts of capital employed within VW.

The Economist

Good news for those Americans who have suffered from the extremes of weather of late, but things look less good for those who prefer a more scientific approach.

Independent

Although several European countries have more Shanghai top 100 universities in relation to their population than the United States does, America still dominates the summit of research: 19 of the world's top 20 universities in Leiden University's ranking of most-cited scientific papers in 2014 were American.On the human-capital side, things look less good.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks less good" to provide a nuanced critique, suggesting something is not entirely bad but could be better. It's useful when avoiding overly harsh language.

Common error

Avoid using "looks less good" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary, such as "appears inadequate" or "presents an inferior image".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks less good" functions as a subjective evaluation, indicating that something is not as appealing or favorable as something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. It often serves to express a nuanced opinion or comparison.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looks less good" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a subjective evaluation, indicating something is not as appealing as something else. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts and should be used judiciously in formal or academic writing where more precise language may be preferred. Alternatives include "appears inferior" and "seems inadequate". It frequently appears in news and media sources, signaling its relevance in conveying opinions and comparisons to a broad audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is less impressive

Directly states a reduced impact or admiration.

appears inferior

Emphasizes a lower quality or standard.

is not as attractive

Focuses specifically on a decline in aesthetic appeal.

seems inadequate

Focuses on a lack of sufficiency or suitability.

doesn't measure up

Suggests a failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.

falls short

Implies a failure to reach a desired outcome or level.

presents poorly

Highlights the unfavorable manner in which something is shown or displayed.

is subpar

Indicates something is below the expected standard.

is wanting

Highlights a deficiency or lack.

is second-rate

Suggests something of lower quality or importance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "looks less good" to sound more formal?

Consider using alternatives like "appears inferior", "seems inadequate", or "presents poorly" to create a more formal tone.

Is "looks less good" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "looks less good" might be too informal for academic writing. Opt for stronger, more precise vocabulary to convey your meaning.

What's the difference between "looks less good" and "looks worse"?

"Looks less good" implies a subtle difference in quality, whereas "looks worse" suggests a more significant decline or negative change. Use "looks less good" when the difference is not dramatic.

How to use "looks less good" in a sentence?

You can use it to compare items, like: "The new design "looks less good" than the previous one." Or to evaluate situations, like: "The company's financial outlook "looks less good" after the recent market downturn."