less than

Idioms  

1. Not at all or hardly at all. For example, He had a less than favorable view of the matter, or She had a less than adequate grasp of the subject. This expression uses less in the sense of “a smaller quantity, number, or extent than is implied,” a usage dating from about a.d. 1000. The same sense appears in less than no time, a hyperbolic term for a very short time (as in Don't worry, he'll be here in less than no time) that dates from about 1800.

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Example Sentences

Ford stock trades for less than eight times earnings expected over the next 12 months.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Now Bignell, who Nike said is leaving to pursue his own creative and philanthropic interests, will be the third innovation chief to exit from the role in less than three years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The primary is June 2, but ballots start landing in voters’ mailboxes in less than a month.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The move, the Journal said, marks the third departure from the position in less than three years.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Boaz considered ditching Daniel no less than ten times between his house and Williamsburg.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny