fewer

[fyoo-er]

adjective

1. of a smaller number.

   fewer words and more action.

pronoun

1. (used with a plural verb),  a smaller number.

   Fewer have come than we hoped.

Confusables Note

See less.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fewer¹

Middle English feue, feawe. fewe fewere, Old English fēawera, genitive plural of fēawa few; -er ⁴ ( def. )

Example Sentences

This compares with the regulator taking action against fewer than 70 sites for non-compliance.

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Bowman told staff she intends for the division to operate with fewer management layers, according to the memo.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The American College of Cardiology, a group of professionals that publishes medical journals, concluded Watchman has caused fewer postprocedural medical complications and is currently the safer product.

Read more on Barron's

“They’re paying into the program at a moment where baby boomers are retiring and collecting benefits — but with the next generation or two generations, there might be fewer of them to pay their benefits.”

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Growing concerns about physical safety and political marginalization are prompting California’s Jewish community to withdraw from civic engagement and embrace more insular communal structures, particularly among Orthodox populations who face fewer barriers to community cohesion.

Read more on Los Angeles Times