lesser

American  

[les-er] / ˈlɛs ər /

adjective

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

   a lesser evil.

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adverb

1. less.

lesser British  

/ ˈlɛsə /

adjective

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

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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

“It seems for Jews that there is a calculus of the lesser of evils,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Her vocal stacks and counter-melodies are full of intricate detail; and her phrasing is exquisite, even on the jazz numbers where lesser pop singers would come unstuck.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

By that time it was seen as the lesser evil for the industry.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Daryanani said that “investors are increasingly viewing Dell, and to a lesser extent HPE, as potential beneficiaries of any reallocation of Nvidia supply.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

So I kept reading about shark embryos that snack on their lesser sisters and eventually devour other siblings in the womb until the fittest shark remains and the mother gives birth to only one baby.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

Related Words

• insignificant
• minor