lesser

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate something of lower quality, importance, or degree compared to something else. Example: "In this competition, the lesser-known artists often struggle to gain recognition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

His attorney, Anders Folk, argued that since the IDs weren't used criminally, Novak should receive a lesser punishment.

The Guardian

They spent months in jail before being released on their own recognizance in November 2013, and then were convicted on a lesser charge of child endangerment and sentenced to three years in prison in March of this year.

The Guardian

Most of those caricatures came out of England in the 18th and 19th centuries, though their victims in the lesser nations often adopted them enthusiastically.

The Guardian - Opinion

Best, Joe Dear Joe, I confess I had no idea who you were when your letter first arrived, but having looked you up, I discover that though you are a lesser Jew than me – la chose juive c'est aussi importante que la chose génitale (as Charcot would say – there might be some $$$$ in my extravagantly parenthesised bons mots reaching a wider audience).

The Guardian - Books

The Quizeum will uncover the stories behind some of the lesser known ones.

The Guardian

Lesser fly-on-the-wall programmes would have ladled the pathos on with a shovel but there's an unfussy, understated humanity here.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

From iconic landmarks such as Westminster Bridge and Hyde Park, to lesser-known parts of the city, you'll explore the capital while it is just waking up.

The Guardian

This is the lesser-visited Eastern Algarve, and the unspoiled beaches of the Rio Formosa national park are only a 15-minute drive away.

The Guardian - Travel

Sunvil Holidays has a 10-night island-hopping trip to the lesser-known Cyclades from £850pp with flights and B&B.

The Guardian - Travel

My favourite performance is in a lesser-known film, Hope Springs, in which she plays half of a couple going through marriage counselling (Tommy Lee Jones is inflexible and uncommunicative; she's a people-pleaser who's shrunk during their life together).

The Guardian - Film

When Daniel Radcliffe played a disabled orphan in The Cripple of Inishmaan this won more headlines for the production than if a disabled, lesser-known actor had been cast.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lesser", ensure it's followed by a noun or adjective it modifies to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "a lesser role" is clearer than just "lesser."

Common error

Avoid using "lesser" when you actually mean "fewer" (for countable nouns) or "less" (for uncountable nouns). "Lesser" is best used to express comparative importance or quality.

Linguistic Context

Lesser primarily functions as a comparative adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate a reduced degree of size, importance, or quality. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability, supported by numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "lesser" functions as a comparative adjective to denote something of reduced size, quality, or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media. While "lesser" is versatile, it's essential to distinguish its use from "less" and "fewer". Alternatives such as "smaller" or "minor" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. By understanding its function and limitations, writers can effectively use "lesser" to convey nuanced comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smaller

Indicates a reduction in physical size or extent.

lower

Indicates a reduced position in a hierarchy or scale.

minor

Suggests a reduced level of importance or significance.

inferior

Implies a lower quality or standard.

reduced

Signifies a state of being diminished or lessened.

slighter

Indicates a small difference or degree.

secondary

Denotes a lower rank or priority.

diminished

Similar to reduced, but often implies a gradual decline.

subordinate

Highlights a position of being under the authority or control of another.

negligible

Suggests that something is so small or unimportant that it can be disregarded.

FAQs

How to use "lesser" in a sentence?

"Lesser" is typically used as an adjective to describe something that is smaller, less important, or of lower quality compared to something else. For example, "He was charged with a "lesser offense"."

What can I say instead of "lesser"?

You can use alternatives like "smaller", "minor", or "inferior" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lesser" or "less"?

"Lesser" is a comparative adjective that indicates a lower degree of importance or quality. "Less" is typically used with uncountable nouns. For example, say "less time" but "a "lesser amount" of importance".

What's the difference between "lesser" and "least"?

"Lesser" is a comparative adjective meaning smaller or less important. "Least" is a superlative adjective meaning the smallest or least important. Use "lesser" when comparing two things, and "least" when referring to the smallest among three or more.