lessen
verb (used without object)
to become less.
lessening
-
present participleof lessen.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When it comes to our kids, our quest for optimization is not so much lessening anxiety as feeding it.
From Slate ● Aug. 11, 2026
Shares of banks, airlines, retailers and other industries that had struggled since February have started breaking higher, lessening the market’s dependence on hot tech stocks and catching the attention of chart-watching technical strategists.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 17, 2026
“While global inventories have been drawing down, the market still seems focused on lessening demand and gradual supply being added.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026
It is one way of lessening that stressful situation of putting out a game, especially for a smaller studio with fewer people to test it.
From BBC ● Apr. 21, 2026
But the idea of any thing to be done in a moment, was increasing, not lessening, Mr. Woodhouse’s agitation.
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
