The phrase "a lesser term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing terminology or classifications that are considered to be of lower importance or rank compared to others.
Example: "In this context, 'subordinate' is a lesser term compared to 'superior' when discussing hierarchical structures."
Alternatives: "a subordinate term" or "a minor term".
Prosecutors said they sought a lesser term because the crime was financial and caused no physical harm.
But Judge Alan H. Nevas imposed a lesser term, citing Mr. Giordano's earlier cooperation with investigators looking into municipal corruption in Waterbury.
Mr. Barayagwiza was sentenced to a lesser term of 27 years because, the judges said, his rights had been violated early in the case.
The charges against Mr. Naseem carry a punishment of at least 25 years in prison, but he is likely to face a lesser term when he is sentenced in April.
Judge Edward Korman of United States District Court sentenced the defendant, Thomas Reynolds, 31, after the family of the victim, Judith Shemtov, asked the judge to reject his bid for a lesser term.
And while I'm fine with the term "childless," I know many aunts are not OK with a "lesser" term.
David Ormerod describes the evidence for abolishing it – instead giving judges discretion to impose a life sentence, or some lesser term – as "overwhelming" since murders and murderers differ greatly, as in any other crime.
It said judges must at least weigh a young defendant's age as a possible reason for imposing a lesser prison term.
Judge Eric N. Vitaliano imposed the lesser term, however, after suggesting the defendant proved too inept to pull it off.
By 734 K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat had shown that he was no longer an obedient subordinate of Copán when he started to refer to himself as k'ul ahaw, holy lord, instead of using the lesser term ahaw, subordinate lord; at the same time he began to use his own Quiriguá emblem glyph.
As early as 734, however, K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat had shown that he was no longer an obedient subordinate of Copán when he started to refer to himself as k'ul ahaw, holy lord, instead of using the lesser term ahaw, subordinate lord; at the same time he began to use his own Quiriguá emblem glyph.
