a lesser opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lesser opportunity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing opportunities, indicating that one is not as significant or valuable as another. Example: "While the internship offers valuable experience, it is ultimately a lesser opportunity compared to the full-time position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Sure, there are reduced resources, but just because you're not going to get a few million dollars to CGI some Transformers doesn't mean there is a lesser opportunity for good storytelling.

Huffington Post

Von Herrath described, however, another phenomenon, where under certain circumstances viruses can prevent type 1 diabetes, supporting the "hygiene hypothesis" that type 1 diabetes occurs in developed countries where the immune system has a lesser opportunity to be appropriately trained.

Diabetes Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Indeed, in my experience there is a perception on college campuses nowadays that choosing to pursue a career in a Detroit is often seen as noble, important and family-oriented but a much lesser opportunity than choosing to locate in a New York or Silicon Valley.

Huffington Post

In a similar way he proposes that social and economic inequalities are acceptable only if attached to positions that are open to all under FEO, but allows that inequalities of opportunity ruled out by FEO can yet be acceptable provided they "enhance the opportunities of those with lesser opportunity" (Rawls 1999: 266).

SEP

The data in Table 4 indicate that the mean normalized air concentrations of CHCl3 and BDCM are much lower for the bathing event, probably due to the lesser opportunity for gas transfer between the bath water and the air.

Environmental Health Perspectives

All of the survivors showed greater concern for the safety, security, and growth of their children; however, the conditions do not seem to be favorable, as the children of survivors continuously face lesser opportunity for growth than other children.

Global Health Action

Women have been taking chances and winning for a long while even against tougher odds and lesser opportunities.

Huffington Post

Unfortunately, there is no opportunity for a lesser sentence for Jamie or for those of us left behind.

The Guardian

To a lesser degree, others who spied an opportunity to prosper from the pandemonium at Coroin included Mayfair financial engineer Robert Tchenguiz and Malaysian tycoon Jho Low.

The Guardian - Business

MO-07 orbital phase 2b (with an elliptical orbit of periapsis 170 km), and in a lesser extent 2a, offers an unprecedented opportunity to investigate by in situ probing the chemical and dynamical properties of the deep ionosphere, thermosphere, and the interaction between the atmosphere and the solar wind, and therefore the present atmospheric escape rate.

Advances in Space Research

Dreary midseason affairs such as this one, filled with missed opportunities that allow a lesser opponent to hang around, tend to end badly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "reduced chance" or "diminished prospect" for variety in your writing and to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "a lesser opportunity" when the actual opportunity is negligible or nonexistent. The phrase implies there is still some level of viable opportunity, even if reduced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lesser opportunity" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to qualify or compare different possibilities or prospects. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is valid and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lesser opportunity" is grammatically correct and usable, though not exceedingly common. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to describe an option that is less favorable compared to another. It appears most frequently in news, scientific, and formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure a clear context that establishes the comparison, and consider using synonyms such as "reduced chance" or "diminished prospect" for stylistic variation. Understanding how to employ this phrase effectively enhances clarity and precision in conveying comparative assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced opportunity

Emphasizes the reduction in the availability of the opportunity.

a smaller chance

Focuses on the diminished probability of success or occurrence.

a diminished prospect

Highlights the lessened outlook or expectation.

a limited scope

Indicates a restriction in the extent or range of possibilities.

a narrower avenue

Suggests a more constrained or restricted path to achievement.

a fainter hope

Conveys a weaker or less optimistic expectation.

a lower possibility

Highlights the decreased likelihood of something happening.

a less promising option

Indicates that the choice is not as favorable or advantageous.

a weaker alternative

Suggests that the substitute is not as strong or effective.

a compromised situation

Implies that the circumstances are less ideal or advantageous.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lesser opportunity" to compare two options, where one is less advantageous. For example, "While the internship offers valuable experience, it is ultimately "a lesser opportunity" compared to the full-time position."

What's a good alternative to "a lesser opportunity"?

Alternatives include "a reduced opportunity", "a smaller chance", or "a diminished prospect", depending on the specific context you're aiming to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a lesser opportunity"?

Generally, yes. Using "a lesser opportunity" implies a comparison to a more desirable alternative, indicating that the subject at hand is not as favorable or advantageous. However, it's important to consider the specific context.

When should I avoid using "a lesser opportunity"?

Avoid using "a lesser opportunity" if the opportunity being described is essentially nonexistent or insignificant. The phrase suggests a reduced but still tangible possibility, so it's not suitable for situations where there's virtually no chance of success or benefit.