lesser

American  

[les-er] / ˈlɛs ər /

adjective

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

   a lesser evil.

---

adverb

1. less.

lesser British  

/ ˈlɛsə /

adjective

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

---

Etymology

Origin of lesser

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

Compare meaning

How does lesser compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• lesser vs. lessor

Example Sentences

Courts have forced a company split only if they are convinced that lesser remedies wouldn’t work and that a merger had caused serious competitive harm.

From The Wall Street Journal

How would a lesser talent, under a similar shadow, be regarded?

From BBC

Doctors are increasingly seeing "significant brain injuries" as well as lesser, but still serious, injuries like friction burns, he says.

From BBC

That odd set of circumstances means that the few stars who are available may be able to land eye-popping contracts while some lesser known players will inevitably command surprising sums.

From The Wall Street Journal

Courts have only taken the dramatic step of forcing a company split if they are convinced lesser remedies won’t work and that a merger caused serious competitive harm.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• insignificant
• minor