Learn how to use the comparative “less successful” and superlative “least successful” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “nonsuccessful”?

The comparative form of “nonsuccessful” is “less successful”.

Example

Her performance today is less successful than yesterday.

Example

The second attempt was less successful than the first.

What is the superlative form of “nonsuccessful”?

The superlative form of “nonsuccessful” is “least successful”.

Example

Among all the candidates, she was the least successful in the interview.

Example

This strategy proved to be the least successful in increasing sales.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

"Most" and "more" are not used with "nonsuccessful," "less successful," and "least successful." Instead, "less successful" and "least successful" are the appropriate comparatives and superlatives for "nonsuccessful." Using "most nonsuccessful" or "more nonsuccessful" would be grammatically incorrect.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

"Nonsuccessful" does not have a regular comparative and superlative form. Instead, "less successful" and "least successful" are used to indicate a lower level of success.

Expressions with similar meanings to “less successful”

Used to describe something that did not achieve the desired outcome or result.

Example

The project was ultimately unsuccessful.

Used to indicate that something did not yield the expected or desired results.

Example

The meeting was unproductive and did not lead to any solutions.

Used to describe something that did not produce the intended effect or result.

Example

The marketing campaign was ineffective in attracting new customers.

Expressions with similar meanings to “least successful”

Used to describe something that is of the lowest quality or has the least favorable outcome.

Example

The worst-case scenario is that we lose everything.

Used to indicate the option or approach that had the smallest impact or achieved the fewest results.

Example

Out of all the strategies, this one was the least effective.

Using than with comparative “less successful”

When using the comparative form "less successful" to compare two things, you would use "than" to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "Her performance today is less successful than yesterday." Here, "than" is used to show that the level of success in her performance today is lower than the level of success in her performance "yesterday."

How can I use this expression in context?

“less successful” and “least successful” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Performances

    His presentation was less successful than hers.

    His presentation was less successful than hers.

  • 2Strategies

    Out of all the marketing campaigns, this one was the least successful.

    Out of all the marketing campaigns, this one was the least successful.

  • 3Candidates

    She was the least successful applicant in the job interview.

    She was the least successful applicant in the job interview.

  • 4Efforts

    Their attempts to solve the problem were less successful than expected.

    Their attempts to solve the problem were less successful than expected.

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