lessen

[les-uhn]

verb (used without object)

1. to become less.

verb (used with object)

1. to make less; reduce.

2. Archaic.,  to represent as less; depreciate; disparage.

lessen

/ ˈlɛsən /

verb

1. to make or become less

2. (tr) to make little of

Other Word Forms

• unlessened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lessen¹

First recorded in 1300–50; late Middle English lessenen, lasnen; equivalent to less + -en ¹

Example Sentences

If the company gets over its overamplification, which cheapens everything it presents, that need not disastrously lessen the impact.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Since the pandemic, buyers on auto-dealer lots have encountered surging sticker prices and smaller incentives from automakers to lessen the blow.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Insurers writing property coverage in California are required to discount premiums to account for steps taken by individual homeowners, businesses and communities that lessen wildfire risks.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Car makers could respond by lowering prices to lessen the effect of the disappearance of the credit on consumers.

Read more on Barron's

The need to raise capital abroad would lessen, and the trade balance could improve.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• abate 
• curtail 
• decrease 
• dilute 
• diminish 
• dwindle 
• ease 
• erode 
• impair 
• lighten 
• minimize 
• mitigate 
• narrow 
• shrink 
• slacken 
• weaken