lesser

American  

[les-er] / ˈlɛs ər /

adjective

1. smaller, as in size or importance; inferior.

   a lesser evil.

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adverb

1. less.

lesser British  

/ ˈlɛsə /

adjective

1. not as great in quantity, size, or worth

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Etymology

Origin of lesser

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English lasser, lesser; less, -er ⁴

Compare meaning

How does lesser compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• lesser vs. lessor

Example Sentences

But also perhaps his weakness — a weakness for which many lesser writers would no doubt sell their souls.

From Los Angeles Times

Four of those indicted subsequently admitted lesser charges.

From Barron's

You want to choose the lesser of all evils.

From MarketWatch

However, he thinks that earnings momentum at ANZ, and to a lesser extent at Westpac, will keep up the pressure on Commonwealth’s relative performance.

From The Wall Street Journal

Such trivial concerns were left to lesser schools, institutions that perhaps couldn’t appreciate the sanctity of a 10-week regular season, the purity of life without football scholarships, or the venerable tradition of Harvard-Yale.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• insignificant
• minor