the less fortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the less fortunate" is both correct and commonly used in written English.
For example, you could use it in the sentence, "My family and I are so grateful for all of the blessings we have, especially because there are so many less fortunate people in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The less fortunate could lose their shirts.

The New York Times - Tech

The less fortunate resorted to eating grass.

The Guardian - Books

She worked tirelessly as a nurse for the less fortunate.

The New York Times

A decaying social fabric, especially among the less fortunate.

The New York Times

They are genuinely pained, experiencing empathy with the less fortunate.

The New York Times

The less fortunate put out buckets and hoped for rain.

The New Yorker

The less fortunate must go through their first winters alone.

The New York Times

"We have to support the less fortunate," he said.

The New York Times

The less fortunate ones end up jobless and in prison.

The New York Times

She always made sure we understood that we're here to help the less fortunate.

The New York Times

Miffy, they say, is doing the same thing here, for the less fortunate urban trees.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "the less fortunate", be specific about the challenges they face to avoid generalizations and promote understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming homogeneity within the group referred to as "the less fortunate". Recognize and acknowledge the diversity of their experiences and needs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the less fortunate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a group of people who experience disadvantages or hardships, as demonstrated by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the less fortunate" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that refers to individuals or groups experiencing disadvantage. According to Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media to evoke empathy and discuss social issues. While generally neutral, it's crucial to use the phrase with sensitivity and avoid overgeneralization, as Ludwig AI suggests. Consider more specific alternatives like ""the underprivileged"" or ""those in need"" to convey greater precision and respect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the underprivileged

Focuses on the lack of societal advantages.

the disadvantaged

Highlights the presence of obstacles and hardships.

the needy

Emphasizes a lack of essential resources.

the impoverished

Specifically refers to a state of poverty.

those in need

A general term for people requiring assistance.

the vulnerable

Highlights susceptibility to harm or hardship.

the marginalized

Focuses on social exclusion and isolation.

the working poor

Refers to people who are employed but still live in poverty.

those struggling

Emphasizes the difficulty of their circumstances.

people in hardship

Highlights the severity of their difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "the less fortunate" in a sentence?

You can use "the less fortunate" to refer to people who are disadvantaged or in need. For example, "Charity organizations play a vital role in supporting "the less fortunate" members of our society".

What is a more compassionate way to say "the less fortunate"?

Consider using terms like "the underprivileged", "the disadvantaged", or "those in need", which emphasize specific aspects of their situation without being demeaning.

What's the difference between "the less fortunate" and "the poor"?

"The poor" generally refers to individuals or groups lacking financial resources. "The less fortunate" is a broader term that encompasses various forms of disadvantage, including poverty, lack of opportunity, and social exclusion.

When is it appropriate to use the term "the less fortunate"?

It's appropriate when discussing charitable actions, social issues, or policies aimed at helping those who are disadvantaged. However, always strive to be respectful and specific about the challenges people face, avoiding generalizations.