lesser risk

USAGE SUMMARY

"lesser risk" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is less risky than another option. For example, "Not shopping in-person decreases the risk of contracting Covid-19, so it presents a lesser risk than going to the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The new DNA variations are common but confer a lesser risk.

The New York Times - Health

Bayern clearly feel that sticking with him is the lesser risk.

The Guardian - Sport

So cells from another individual could be grafted with lesser risk of rejection than at other sites.

The New York Times - Science

Different categories of offenders are at greater or lesser risk of re-offending and respond differently to therapy.

The Guardian

Individuals are at greater or lesser risk of all sorts of ills, from car accidents to cancer.

The Economist

"The current generation of older people seems to be at lesser risk for depression throughout their lifetimes" than the middle-aged, he said.

The New York Times

Next in line for flu shots, to be administered in November, are those at lesser risk of complications or of causing illness in others at higher risk.

The New York Times - Health

But I already feel lighter and looser and at a lesser risk for injury, like I've been to a reformatory for the inflexible.

The New York Times

What, then, is it about saving a stranger by giving a kidney, a far lesser risk, that people find so odd?

The New Yorker

The primary treatments for prostate cancer have an impotence rate approaching 50percentt, as well as a lesser risk of urinary incontinence.

The New York Times - Health

Both for consuming and producing nations, partial decriminalization of the illegal market could actually make the problem worse, as a lesser risk will encourage consumption.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, use "lesser risk" to clearly indicate which one involves a lower chance of negative consequences. For example, "Choosing a diversified portfolio presents a "lesser risk" than investing in a single stock."

Common error

Avoid using "lesser risk" when the risk is virtually nonexistent. "Lesser risk" implies a comparative scenario where risk exists in both cases, but to different degrees. If the risk is so small that it can be ignored, consider using terms like "minimal risk" or "no significant risk" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser risk" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies and compares the degree of danger or probability of an undesirable outcome associated with a particular action, decision, or situation. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lesser risk" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a situation or option that presents a reduced probability of negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It commonly appears in both news/media and scientific contexts, denoting a neutral register applicable across various domains. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a comparative scenario where risk exists, rather than implying the absence of risk. Alternatives like "reduced hazard" or "lower probability" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced hazard

Focuses on diminishing the danger or peril involved.

lower probability

Emphasizes the reduced statistical likelihood of an adverse event.

minimal danger

Highlights the near absence of threat or harm.

decreased threat

Indicates a decline in the potential for harm or damage.

slight chance

Suggests a very small possibility of something negative occurring.

mitigated peril

Implies that the danger has been lessened or alleviated.

contained threat

Indicates the risk is under control and not likely to escalate.

small likelihood

Focuses on the improbable nature of a negative outcome.

limited exposure

Emphasizes reduced contact with a potential source of harm.

controlled vulnerability

Suggests that a weakness has been managed to reduce its potential impact.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "lesser risk" in a sentence?

The phrase "lesser risk" is used to indicate that something has a smaller chance of resulting in harm or negative consequences compared to something else. For example, "Taking the bus poses a "lower risk" than riding a motorcycle".

What are some alternatives to saying "lesser risk"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "reduced risk", "lower probability", or "minimal danger" as alternatives to "lesser risk".

Is it grammatically correct to say "lesser risk"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Lesser" is a comparative adjective meaning smaller or less important, and it correctly modifies the noun "risk".

What is the difference between "lesser risk" and "least risk"?

"Lesser risk" implies a comparison between two or more options, while "least risk" suggests that something has the smallest risk out of all possibilities. For example, "Among these options, this one presents the "least risk", and that one presents a "lesser risk" than the other choices."