A2 1K

Less

UK /["/les/"]/ US /["/les/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

used with uncountable nouns to mean ‘a smaller amount of’

Listen to definition

In simple words: Not as much or not enough.

Examples

• I want less sugar in my tea.
• The project requires less time than I expected.
• She has less money than her friends.
• We should focus on less important tasks first.
• He feels less confident after that presentation.

Usage notes

Use 'less' with uncountable nouns (e.g., less water). It’s different from 'fewer,' which is for countable nouns (e.g., fewer apples).

Grammar pattern

less + uncountable noun

Memory hint

Less sounds like 'less is more'—imagine a small cup having less water than a big cup.

Collocations

• less than
• less time
• less money

Synonyms

• fewer
• lower
• diminished
• reduced

Antonyms

• more

Common mistakes

• Using 'less' with countable nouns instead of 'fewer'.
• Confusing 'less' with 'least'.
• Saying 'less' when you mean 'not as many'.