lesser power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing authority, influence, or capability, often in comparison to a greater power. Example: "In the negotiation, the lesser power had to be strategic to ensure their interests were represented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Primarily an idiom of powerful pictures set to music, to which spoken texts (of greater or lesser power) are added at the last minute, it incorporates material from widely disparate cultures and reaches across borders much more easily than most text-centered theater.

The New York Times

No formerly lesser power knows this better than America.

The Guardian

For all its fiery words, China, a lesser power, respects the strength of a superpower.

The New York Times

Rouhani's potential victory DOES matter, in spite of lesser power versus Khamenei.

The New York Times

Did we believe anything else when we were the lesser power, as we will doubtless be again?

The New Yorker

This argument could also build on a variant of an argument the Court countenanced in Posadas — that the greater power to ban implies the lesser power to regulate.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The successful deterrence of the superpowers during the cold war led to the belief that if such powerful countries could be deterred, then lesser powers should fall into line when confronted with an overwhelmingly powerful adversary.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there's something arbitrary about any constraint we impose on lesser powers.

The New York Times

Lesser powers have always sparred with great ones, as jealousies collide.

The Guardian

This administration's foreign policy will encourage neutralism - at least among the lesser powers.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, new uncertainties revolved around how lesser powers might exploit that terrifying destructive capability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lesser power", ensure the context clearly identifies what the greater power is, to provide a clear comparison and avoid ambiguity. For example, "Compared to the superpower, the lesser power struggled to exert its influence."

Common error

Avoid using "lesser power" when you actually mean "lesser influence". "Power" often refers to a formal or structural capacity, whereas "influence" is about the ability to affect decisions or outcomes, which might not always align with formal power structures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies an entity possessing reduced authority, strength, or influence in comparison to another. Ludwig examples illustrate usage in diverse contexts, such as political science, economics, and physics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lesser power" is a versatile term used to denote reduced authority or strength compared to another entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse fields such as news, science, and academia. While the phrase is commonly employed, it's essential to ensure clarity by explicitly identifying the greater power to which it is being compared. Alternatives such as ""subordinate authority"" or "diminished influence" can provide more specific connotations depending on the intended context. A key point to consider is differentiating between "power" and "influence", as they represent distinct aspects of capability and control. Ultimately, "lesser power" serves as a useful tool for highlighting power imbalances and categorizing entities based on their relative strength in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subordinate authority

Emphasizes the hierarchical aspect, where the power is directly under another authority.

inferior strength

Focuses on the lack of physical or metaphorical strength compared to something else.

diminished influence

Highlights the reduction in the capacity to affect outcomes or decisions.

secondary player

Implies a supporting role rather than a leading one.

minor entity

Indicates a smaller and less significant organization or force.

weaker faction

Suggests a group with less power within a larger conflict or competition.

limited jurisdiction

Refers to a restricted area of control or legal authority.

reduced capacity

Focuses on the diminished ability to perform a specific function or task.

lower rank

Highlights a position of lower status within a hierarchy.

underdog position

Emphasizes a situation of disadvantage and lower probability of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "lesser power" to describe an entity with reduced authority or capability compared to another, for example: "As the "subordinate authority", the committee had to adhere to the directives from the main board."

What are some alternatives to "lesser power"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "lesser power" include "inferior strength", "diminished influence", or "secondary player".

Is it better to use "lesser power" or "weaker power"?

While both are acceptable, "lesser power" often implies a formal or hierarchical difference, while "weaker power" suggests a difference in strength or capability. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "lesser power" and "minor entity"?

"Lesser power" specifically refers to a reduced capacity for authority or control, whereas "minor entity" indicates smaller significance or scale. They are related but not interchangeable; the best choice depends on the intended emphasis.