somewhat less robust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat less robust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as strong or effective as it could be, often in a comparative context. Example: "The new software update is somewhat less robust than the previous version, leading to occasional glitches."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Its report credited Korean financial policy makers with realizing that "somewhat less robust economic growth is more sustainable over the long run than rapid growth".

The New York Times

(Laptop users with only a headphone jack can use that jack but will have to contend with sound that is somewhat less robust).

The New York Times - Tech

The wife's separate leisure demand also increases significantly and dramatically upon her retirement, but this effect is somewhat less robust to changes in the sample or the specification.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Indeed, women with HER2-negative or triple-negative disease gained a particular benefit; the effects in patients with HER2-negative but hormone-receptor-positive disease were somewhat less robust.

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment

The time- and dose-dependent response that was seen for the NF-κB-direct HYP appears somewhat less robust in the TNF HYP, for example at the 30 minute time point, but again the four methods produced very similar responses.

BMC Systems Biology

A meta-analysis of studies that have looked at the correlation between instructor immediacy and aspects of student learning showed that there is a strong correlation between both perceived and affective learning, although the link to cognitive learning was somewhat less robust (Witt et al., 2004).

CBE Life Sciences Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Tricholoma imbricatum somewhat resembles T. vaccinum, but has duller brown colors, is less robust in stature, and has a solid (not hollow) stalk.

Wikipedia

The robust nature of this procedure comes at the cost of reduced statistical power; the test will be somewhat less effective at rejecting false candidate formulas.

Analytical Chemistry

But only somewhat less.

The New York Times

Others are somewhat less circumspect.

Independent

But somewhat less of it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "somewhat less robust", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat less robust" when describing something that is fundamentally failing or extremely weak. It's best suited for indicating a moderate reduction in strength or effectiveness, not a complete absence of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat less robust" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a relative degree of weakness or reduced effectiveness. Ludwig AI examples show its use in diverse contexts, from describing economic growth to the effectiveness of medical treatments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "somewhat less robust" is a grammatically sound way to indicate a moderate reduction in strength or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is valid and usable, appearing in both news and scientific contexts. While not extremely common, it offers a more nuanced and balanced evaluation than stronger alternatives. When employing this phrase, ensure the comparative context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "slightly weaker" or "a bit less sturdy" to achieve similar meaning. The phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly weaker

Emphasizes a small degree of reduced strength.

a bit less sturdy

Focuses on the lack of physical strength or stability.

marginally less resilient

Highlights a small decrease in the ability to recover quickly.

somewhat more fragile

Indicates an increased susceptibility to damage.

a little less vigorous

Focuses on a reduced level of energy or activity.

relatively less hardy

Suggests a decreased ability to withstand difficult conditions.

not quite as strong

Directly compares the strength of two items or concepts.

a shade less powerful

Emphasizes a slight reduction in power or influence.

slightly diminished

Highlights a reduction in size, extent, or degree.

a touch less stable

Focuses on a small decrease in steadiness or security.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat less robust" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat less robust" to describe something that has a slightly decreased effectiveness or strength compared to something else. For example: "The updated security system is "somewhat less robust" than the previous one, requiring additional monitoring."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat less robust"?

Alternatives include "slightly weaker", "a bit less sturdy", or "marginally less resilient". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "somewhat less robust" in my writing?

It is appropriate when you want to indicate a moderate decrease in strength or effectiveness without implying a complete failure. This provides a nuanced assessment, acknowledging a reduction without exaggerating it.

What's the difference between "somewhat less robust" and "completely ineffective"?

"Somewhat less robust" suggests a reduction in strength or effectiveness, while "completely ineffective" implies a total lack of function. The first indicates a partial decrease, whereas the latter indicates a total failure.