a lesser problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lesser problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the significance or severity of one problem to another, indicating that the problem in question is not as serious as another. Example: "While the budget cuts are concerning, they are a lesser problem compared to the staffing shortages we are facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

A lesser problem is the novel's humorlessness.

The New York Times - Books

"But I also think we all have a responsibility to not view what is not our immediate problem as a lesser problem.

The Guardian

"You've got a culture within drug services of seeing harder drugs like heroin and crack cocaine as very problematic, and cannabis being seen as a lesser problem, "Ian.

Independent

"You have to balance that need for cooperation and confidence from the community, particularly in terms of witnesses and early warnings to potential problems, against what might conceivably be a lesser problem," Mr. Pasco said.

The New York Times

This is a lesser problem in a large animal model as the pig, which is one of the reasons for the choice of the model in this study.

EJNMMI Research

Nevertheless, it is important to point out that mis-coregistration artefacts from patient motion are a lesser problem in head and neck PET/CT studies compared with PET/CT scans of the chest or abdomen.

Insights into Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"From what we know about war, we can only conclude that it's a much lesser problem today," said Monty Marshall of George Mason University, a co-author of the "Peace and Conflict" report.

The New York Times

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, perhaps burying bad news or simply unaware of the seriousness of the incident, only offered up the possibility of a stretched ligament or ever the lesser problem of a kick on the knee.

BBC

While bloodborne virus infections (in particular hepatitis C [ 10- 12]), psychiatric illness [ 13] and to a lesser extent, problem alcohol use [ 14] are all recognised as chronic medical problems that are more prevalent among injecting drug users, our understanding of other 'common' chronic illnesses among injecting drug users is less advanced.

BMC Family Practice

Reepithelialization at the clinical level, it is not a lesser important problem as most of the diabetic wounds may granulate in time, while reepithelialization is even far slower, arrhythmic, and torpid.

BioMed Research International

The lesser problem is that it creates a conflict of interest.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lesser problem" when directly comparing two or more problems, clearly establishing which is less significant. For instance, "The funding shortfall is concerning, but the lack of qualified applicants is a lesser problem for now."

Common error

Avoid using "a lesser problem" without a clear comparison. Saying "This is a lesser problem" is vague; specify what it is less significant than to provide context and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lesser problem" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes something as a problem of reduced significance compared to another. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to highlight a relative degree of importance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

65%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lesser problem" is a grammatically sound phrase used to compare the severity of different issues, indicating that one is less significant than another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While the phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various registers. When using "a lesser problem", ensure a clear comparison is evident to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "a minor issue" or "a smaller concern" can be used depending on the desired level of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor issue

This alternative uses "issue" instead of "problem", suggesting a slightly less severe situation.

a smaller concern

This alternative substitutes "concern" for "problem", implying a potentially less impactful worry.

a trivial matter

Replacing "problem" with "matter" indicates the situation is unimportant or easily resolved.

a secondary consideration

This highlights that the problem is not the main priority.

a subordinate issue

Indicates that the issue is of lower rank or importance.

a less significant difficulty

Replaces "problem" with "difficulty" and uses "less significant" to emphasize reduced importance.

a reduced challenge

Suggests that a given challenge has been diminished in some aspect.

a mitigated concern

Highlights that the concern has been reduced or alleviated.

a alleviated trouble

Suggests that a certain amount of trouble has been relieved or made more bearable.

a circumstantial obstacle

Specifies the nature of a problem and makes it circumstantial.

FAQs

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

Use "a lesser problem" to compare the severity of issues, indicating one is not as serious as another. For example, "While both issues are important, the budget deficit is "a lesser problem" compared to the staffing shortages".

What can I say instead of "a lesser problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor issue", "a smaller concern", or "a trivial matter" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a lesser problem"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a lesser problem". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. It is most effective when contrasting it with a greater problem.

What is the difference between "a lesser problem" and "a minor inconvenience"?

"A lesser problem" suggests a situation that needs addressing but is not critical, while "a minor inconvenience" implies something only slightly bothersome that requires little to no action. The phrase "a lesser problem" is more significant than "a minor inconvenience".