C1adjective10K+

Lesser

UK /["/ˈlesə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈlesər/"]/

Definition

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

In simple words: smaller in amount or importance

Examples

  • 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

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • smaller
  • inferior
  • minor
  • subordinate
  • secondary

Antonyms

  • greater
  • higher
  • major

Common mistakes

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