lessened

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lessened" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb which means to gradually decrease in size, amount, or degree. Example sentence: As the hours passed, the noise levels in the city eventually lessened.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No 10's spokesperson made clear that Britain agreed with Obama that the need for humanitarian air drops had lessened.

The Guardian

In our case the risk is lessened greatly because we are replacing existing supply with high-quality new stock.

The Guardian

Bachmann's nomination bid thrust her into the national spotlight but her critics said it had lessened her ability to focus on her district.

The Guardian

The SNP leader added: "If the UK government does decide to stick to its current proposals we will argue for ways in which the impact on Scotland can be lessened".

The Guardian

Though the rate of mangrove loss has lessened, have things really changed?

The Guardian

The impression is not lessened by the casting of Hopkins, who twice goes all-out Hannibal Lecter at the terrified Janet Leigh (Scarlett Johansson).

The Guardian - Film

My concern would have been lessened and my surprise greatly increased had I known that a teenage attitude these days means being a law-abiding citizen, abstaining from drink, drugs and casual sex and studying hard.Daniel Olive LondonA pleasurable vacationSIR – With reference to funny placenames (Letters, July 12th), how could you have missed Dildo Run in Canada?

The Economist

But it has not lessened the region's dependence on the global economy.Other studies have also found that China has already had quite a big positive impact on growth in other countries in the region.

The Economist

Resistance to Mr Roberts was lessened by the fact that he was supremely qualified, there was no evidence he was an ideologue and, perhaps, that he was replacing the conservative Mr Rehnquist and thus was not likely to move the court to the right.

The Economist

A small black population (the state is almost 90% white) lessened fears of a black Democratic power-grab, explains Al Cross of the University of Kentucky.

The Economist

The evidence is mixed on whether social mobility has lessened or simply stayed the same over the past 30 years.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lessened", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced. For example, "The impact of the storm was lessened by the new sea wall" provides a clear understanding of the reduction.

Common error

Avoid using "lessened" as a direct substitute for "less" when making comparisons. "Lessened" describes a process of reduction, while "less" indicates a smaller quantity or degree. For example, use "less sugar" not "lessened sugar."

Linguistic Context

The word "lessened" primarily functions as a verb in the past participle form. It signifies the action of diminishing or reducing something in degree, intensity, or size. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, showcasing its versatility in describing reduction processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lessened" is a versatile verb form indicating a reduction in size, amount, or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its prevalence across diverse sources like news outlets and academic journals underscores its adaptability in formal and informal contexts. When using "lessened", clarify what is being reduced to enhance understanding. Remember to avoid confusing it with "less" when making direct comparisons. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use "lessened" to communicate a sense of reduction or diminution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced

Implies a decrease in size, amount, or number, often as a result of a deliberate action.

diminished

Suggests a gradual reduction in importance, size, or intensity.

decreased

Indicates a numerical or quantitative reduction.

alleviated

Focuses on the reduction of suffering or hardship.

mitigated

Highlights the lessening of the severity or impact of something negative.

eased

Suggests a reduction in pressure, tension, or pain.

subsided

Implies a decrease in intensity, often after a period of high activity or turmoil.

abated

Indicates a gradual decrease in intensity or degree.

weakened

Focuses on a reduction in strength or power.

attenuated

Suggests a reduction in the force or intensity of something, often gradually.

FAQs

How can I use "lessened" in a sentence?

You can use "lessened" to describe a reduction in something. For instance, "The pain was lessened by the medication" or "The severity of the impact was lessened by early intervention".

What are some alternatives to the word "lessened"?

You can use alternatives like "reduced", "diminished", or "decreased" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the problem has lessened"?

Yes, "the problem has lessened" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It indicates that the severity or impact of the problem has decreased.

What's the difference between "lessened" and "minimized"?

"Lessened" implies a general reduction, while "minimized" suggests reducing something to the smallest possible amount. You might say "the risk was lessened" if it's reduced, but "the risk was minimized" if efforts were made to reduce it as much as possible.