C1adjective 10K+

Lesser

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈlesə(r)/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈlesər/"]/

Meaning of Lesser

not as great in size, amount or importance as something/somebody else

In simple words: smaller in amount or importance

Lesser in a sentence

• people of lesser importance
• They were all involved **to a greater or lesser degree** *(= some were more involved than others)*.
• The London Stock Exchange has been losing business to New York and, to a lesser extent, Amsterdam.
• He was encouraged to plead guilty to the lesser offence.
• He doesn’t even acknowledge us **lesser mortals** *(= people who are not as important or powerful)*.
• A lesser woman would have given up.
• a lesser black-backed gull

How to use Lesser

Use 'lesser' when comparing two things of different importance or quality, often in formal or literary contexts. It is less common in everyday conversation compared to 'less'.

Grammar pattern

lesser + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'less' being more; 'lesser' is just a little bit smaller.

Related words

Collocations with Lesser

• lesser-known
• lesser degree
• lesser importance
• lesser value
• lesser evil

Synonyms for Lesser

• smaller
• inferior
• minor
• subordinate
• secondary

Opposites of Lesser

• greater
• higher
• major

Common mistakes with Lesser

• Using 'lesser' in place of 'less' in informal situations.
• Confusing 'less' and 'lesser' where 'less' is more appropriate.
• Incorrectly placing 'lesser' before uncountable nouns.

Frequently asked questions about Lesser

What does Lesser mean?

smaller in amount or importance

What is the definition of Lesser?

not as great in size, amount or importance as something/somebody else

How do you use Lesser in a sentence?

people of lesser importance

Can you give another example of Lesser?

They were all involved **to a greater or lesser degree** *(= some were more involved than others)*.

What are synonyms for Lesser?

Common alternatives include smaller, inferior, minor, subordinate, secondary.

What is the opposite of Lesser?

Opposite meanings include greater, higher, major.

What words go with Lesser?

It commonly pairs with lesser-known, lesser degree, lesser importance, lesser value, lesser evil.

What are common mistakes when using Lesser?

Using 'lesser' in place of 'less' in informal situations. Confusing 'less' and 'lesser' where 'less' is more appropriate. Incorrectly placing 'lesser' before uncountable nouns.

How do you pronounce Lesser?

US: /["/ˈlesər/"]/, UK: /["/ˈlesə(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Lesser?

Use 'lesser' when comparing two things of different importance or quality, often in formal or literary contexts. It is less common in everyday conversation compared to 'less'.

What CEFR level is Lesser?

"Lesser" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.