a lesser capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lesser capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a diminished or lower level of ability or capability. For example: "John was hired for his expert knowledge in the field, but due to his age he now works in a lesser capacity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

And, Jocketty added, Minaya would probably be willing to rejoin the Mets in a lesser capacity if it meant assisting Alderson.

The New York Times - Sports

After sending a heated letter of protest to Admiral Gehman, Mr. O'Keefe removed both Mr. Roe and Ms. Ham from a management role in the investigation, though they continued to work with the board in a lesser capacity.

The New York Times

Re "Pitcher Spurns $12 Million, to Keep Self-Respect," Jan . 27 In the baseball world where players ask for and get exorbitant salaries, it was refreshing to read that Gil Meche retired rather than stay on with the Kansas City Royals in a lesser capacity and collect $12 million.

The New York Times

We conclude that annual phosphate fertilizer applications leave phosphate concentrations in Prairie soils to the extent that soils have a lesser capacity to retain glyphosate and phosphate that are subsequently applied, but glyphosate residues will not influence phosphate sorption.

Geoderma

The Navy again utilized the bases in a lesser capacity from 1952 to 1959 in support of the Korean War effort.

Wikipedia

Though fairly active, its swimming muscles exhibit lower activity of glycolytic enzymes and higher activity of creatine phosphokinase compared to the shallow-water spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), suggesting a lesser capacity for bursts of speed.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I say Taleb because he popularized appreciation that a system has a greater or lesser capacity to withstand shocks, and this capacity can be increased by exposure to shock.

Forest Ecosystems

It blew my self-esteem, because in the deep recesses of my mind, it reminded me over and over and over again that no matter what I did in my own career, the fact that I had married someone with a lesser earning capacity meant that there was something wrong with me.

Huffington Post

19 Thus, we should expect that a lesser male capacity for empathy could go with the greater display of male aggression, which is borne out by the statistics of crimes like murder.

Bioethics

Additionally, NO production was reduced in U937-derived mactivateds activated with LPS and treated with supernatants of CC cells, all of these suggesting a lesser antimicrobial and antitumor capacity, as well as lesser capacity for activating other cells of the innate immune system and of adaptive immunity.

BioMed Research International

An actor of lesser capacity is going to fail.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a change in someone's role or function, use "a lesser capacity" to politely indicate a reduction in responsibilities or authority.

Common error

Avoid using "a lesser capacity" in informal conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or even condescending. Opt for simpler alternatives like "less able" or "reduced ability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lesser capacity" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a state of reduced ability or capability. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lesser capacity" correctly describes a reduced level of ability or capability. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for written English and can be used in various contexts. While "a lesser capacity" is grammatically sound and understandable, it's important to consider the audience and context. As the examples show, this phrase appears often in news, science, and formal business communication. The phrase isn't frequent but is an accurate and well-formed idiom that is generally appropriate in professional and academic writing. More informal scenarios might benefit from alternative phrases like "reduced ability" or "limited potential".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced capability

Focuses on the reduction in the ability to perform.

diminished competence

Highlights a decrease in the required knowledge and abilities.

lower capability

Emphasizes a decreased level of inherent skill.

decreased proficiency

Implies a decline in skill or expertise.

limited potential

Indicates restricted future ability or possibility.

restricted aptitude

Highlights limitations in natural talent or inclination.

weakened competence

Suggests a reduction in the strength of one's skills.

impaired ability

Focuses on the damage or hindrance to one's skill.

deficient talent

Emphasizes a lacking or insufficient natural skill.

compromised aptitude

Indicates that one's natural ability has been negatively affected.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lesser capacity" to describe a reduced ability or capability. For example, "Due to budget cuts, the department now operates at "a lesser capacity"".

What's a more informal way to say "a lesser capacity"?

For informal situations, you could use phrases like "less able", "reduced ability", or "not as capable" instead of "a lesser capacity".

Is it correct to say "at a lesser capacity" or "in a lesser capacity"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "in "a lesser capacity"" is more common when referring to a role or position, while "at a lesser capacity" is suitable for describing a state or condition.

What is the difference between "a lesser capacity" and "a diminished capacity"?

"A diminished capacity" often refers to a significant reduction, perhaps due to illness or injury, while "a lesser capacity" simply indicates a lower level of ability compared to a previous state or standard.