a lesser capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lesser capability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a skill or ability that is not as strong or effective as another. Example: "While the new software has a lesser capability compared to its predecessor, it still meets the basic requirements for our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Conditions associated with increased oxidative stress lead to the mobilisation of functionally defective EPCs, which have a lesser capability of mobilising, migrating, and incorporating into existing vasculature [ 71, 72].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For some of us, lucky enough to be cured, we learn treatment has dumped us into a new body with lesser capabilities and higher probabilities of life-threatening diseases.

The New York Times - Sports

These findings may be applicable in places with similar EMS delivery quality as King County, but it is still unclear that these results are generalizable to other regions with lesser capabilities.

Critical Care

U87 cells also displayed decreased tumor infiltration capability but to a lesser extent.

BioMed Research International

Specifically, the presence of ≥1 hematologist or oncologist was associated with increased enrollment, whereas bone aspiration capability and to a lesser extent research ability were associated with lower enrollment rates.

BMC Health Services Research

show the same capabilities, although to a lesser degree [28].

Plosone

These are in the main related to the nature of homecare tasks and practices, and person-centred characteristics and capabilities, and to a lesser extent, problems with the technology and devices, organisational issues, and environmental factors.

BMC Health Services Research

Firm-university linkages typically serve to fill in gaps in internal R&D capabilities and access facilities/equipment and, to a lesser extent, to the transfer of new technologies to firms.

Health Research Policy and Systems

As far as prints go — compared with painting, prints are generally considered a lesser genre, because of their large-edition reproduction and sales capability — it is a good one.

The New York Times

Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (Aqim), which for much of its history was seen as a lesser outpost of al-Qaida, has grown in size and capability, partly due to income from ransom payments which, according to an estimate in a recent New York Times investigation, have totalled at least £55.1m ($91.5m) since 2008.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the firm's planned expansion of its R&D capability is entirely offshore, in India and to a lesser extent China.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two entities, ensure it's clear which one has "a lesser capability" and in what specific area. Providing context clarifies the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "a lesser capability" without specifying what the capability refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lesser capability" functions as a noun phrase, where "lesser" is an adjective modifying the noun "capability". It describes a state of having reduced power, skill, or capacity. Ludwig AI provides examples showing its usage in scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lesser capability" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to indicate a reduced capacity or ability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears mostly in scientific and news contexts, where it serves to compare the abilities of different subjects. When using this phrase, ensure that the context makes it clear what the capability is and what it's being compared to, to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as ""a reduced capacity"" or ""a diminished ability"" can offer similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced capacity

Emphasizes a smaller amount or volume of something that can be held or handled.

a diminished ability

Highlights a decrease in the power or skill to do something.

a weaker capacity

Uses "weaker" to indicate a reduction in strength or effectiveness.

a limited ability

Focuses on the restriction or constraint of one's power to act.

a decreased potential

Suggests a lower level of possible achievement or development.

a reduced competence

Highlights a decline in one's ability to perform a task successfully.

a restricted skill

Indicates that one's skill set has limitations.

an impaired faculty

Suggests a damage or weakening of a particular mental or physical power.

a compromised skill

Focuses on how some skill or capability has been compromised.

a lower aptitude

Highlights a smaller aptitude to perform a given task.

FAQs

How can I use "a lesser capability" in a sentence?

You can use "a lesser capability" to compare the abilities of two things, for instance, "While both phones can take pictures, the older model has "a lesser capability" in low-light conditions".

What phrases are similar to "a lesser capability"?

Similar phrases include "a reduced capacity", "a diminished ability", or "a weaker capacity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a lesser capability"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The structure "a lesser" + [noun] is a standard way to express a lower degree of something.

What's the difference between "a lesser capability" and "a smaller capability"?

"A lesser capability" generally implies a lower degree of effectiveness or power, whereas "a smaller capability" might refer to a physical size or scope limitation. While sometimes interchangeable, "lesser" often suggests a deficiency in quality or performance.