lesser

[les-er]

adjective

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

   a lesser evil.

adverb

1. less.

lesser

/ ˈlɛsə /

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lesser¹

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

Example Sentences

He sang country music, which “serious” critics treat the same way they treat horror and comedy—as a lesser genre, entertaining but basic.

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The company expects most of its profit gains to come from its product mix, limited-edition models, and personalization, with sales volumes contributing to a lesser extent.

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No matter its relative wealth, the significant expense of insuring high-value homes in a high-risk neighborhood meant that homeowners there had lesser coverage.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In each of the previous two seasons, the team had been upset in the National League Division Series by lesser opponents in the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks.

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And why – having convicted him on this lesser charge – did the court then give him such a humiliating and draconian punishment?

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• insignificant 
• minor