lesser struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or challenge that is considered to be of lower intensity or significance compared to another struggle. Example: "While the project faced many challenges, the budget constraints were a lesser struggle compared to the tight deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

No. 3 Marcelo Rios of Chile, another former top-ranked player, returning from off-season groin surgery, had a lesser struggle, beating Vincent Spadea by 6-4, 6-4.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In witnessing something far-fetched, something brought out before us from the distant perimeter of human experience, we are in some way fortified for our own inevitable, if lesser, struggles.

The New Yorker

But lesser struggles trumped higher aspirations.

Forbes

BIlls Chick athinkcksInTheHuddle.com.

Huffington Post

As the Beatles grew and deepened musically, politically, even spiritually, they mirrored in media heaven our own lesser struggles on earth.

Huffington Post

But sometimes they and some lesser lights struggle after their playing days, with consequences for the rest of their lives.

The New York Times

Tottenham have the kind of equilibrium lesser opponents struggle to disrupt and Pochettino emphasised it comes of striking the right note between youth and experience.

The Guardian - Sport

A more limiting tendency in women's cricket is for the bottom hand to dominate as lesser players struggle for power.

The Guardian - Sport

His flexible bass-baritone voice, which matches his lean, craggy good looks, is an instrument of such extraordinary vibrancy and resonance that it automatically conveys extra-musical qualities lesser singers struggle for years to cultivate.

The New York Times

Harte feels that many managers now look for their full-backs to fit a different template, one designed for the likes of Ashley Cole and Daniel Alves but with which lesser footballers struggle.

The Guardian - Sport

(And even if it only surfaces on television in the most maudlin or chipper of terms, we know how much all of us, in greater and lesser ways, struggle with trial and disability).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lesser struggle" when you want to downplay the severity of a difficulty, contrasting it with a more significant problem.

Common error

Avoid using "lesser struggle" too frequently. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or as if you are minimizing genuine concerns. Vary your language with synonyms like "minor difficulty" or "smaller challenge" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser struggle" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "lesser" modifies the noun "struggle". It describes a difficulty or challenge of reduced intensity or significance. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lesser struggle" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a challenge of reduced severity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for describing difficulties that are less significant compared to others. While relatively uncommon, it's primarily found in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "minor difficulty" and "smaller challenge". When employing this phrase, it's beneficial to contrast it with a more significant challenge to emphasize the difference in magnitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor difficulty

Focuses on the reduced level of difficulty compared to a major obstacle.

smaller challenge

Emphasizes the reduced size or scope of the challenge.

easier hardship

Highlights the reduced severity of the hardship faced.

reduced adversity

Underscores the lessened degree of unfavorable circumstances.

slight tribulation

Points to a small amount of suffering or trouble.

minimal effort

Implies the task requires very little exertion or energy.

lighter burden

Suggests a reduced weight or load to carry, metaphorically.

moderate challenge

Indicates a challenge of medium intensity, differing from a high or low level.

somewhat easier

Denotes a relative ease compared to something more difficult, in a general sense.

relatively simple task

Focuses on the uncomplicated nature of the task at hand.

FAQs

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

You can use "lesser struggle" to describe a challenge that is not as difficult or significant as another. For example, "While the main project faced numerous hurdles, marketing proved to be a "lesser struggle"".

What are some alternatives to "lesser struggle"?

Alternatives include "minor difficulty", "smaller challenge", or "easier hardship". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "lesser struggle" formal or informal?

"Lesser struggle" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal writing might benefit from more precise language depending on the specific situation.

What's the difference between "lesser struggle" and "major struggle"?

"Lesser struggle" indicates a problem or difficulty that is less severe or impactful, while "major struggle" implies a significant and substantial challenge. The terms are antonyms that describe the scale of difficulty.