adj
Common
lesser
LEH-suh
Lesser (adj) means Smaller, less important, or of lower rank, especially when comparing two things. Example: “He was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.”
adj
1
Smaller, less important, or of lower rank, especially when comparing two things.
"He was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter."
"It was, at least, the lesser of two evils."
How to use lesser
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSmaller or less significant than something else being compared.
Common mistake
Mostly used before a noun ("the lesser problem"), not as a standalone comparative the way "less" is.
Common pairings
the lesser of two evils
to a lesser extent
lesser known
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more lesser
- Superlative
- most lesser
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was found guilty of the _____ charge of manslaughter.
Etymology
A double comparative formed from "less" plus "-er," which developed in Middle English even though "less" is already comparative.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for lesser
See all rhymes for lesser →Frequently asked questions
What does “lesser” mean?
The word “lesser” means smaller, less important, or of lower rank, especially when comparing two things. In plain terms, smaller or less significant than something else being compared.
How do you pronounce “lesser”?
“Lesser” is pronounced LEH-suh (/ˈlɛsɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lesser” in a sentence?
Here is “lesser” used in a sentence: “He was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.”
What part of speech is “lesser”?
“Lesser” is an adjective.
Where does the word “lesser” come from?
The word “lesser” comes from Middle English. A double comparative formed from "less" plus "-er," which developed in Middle English even though "less" is already comparative.
Is “lesser” a common word?
“Lesser” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "lesser" and "less"?
"Less" is used with uncountable quantities, as in less water or less time, while "lesser" is an adjective meaning smaller or lower in importance, used before a noun, as in the lesser evil or a lesser role. "Lesser" compares importance or rank rather than amount.
What is the difference between "lesser" and "least"?
"Lesser" is a comparative, used when comparing two things, as in the lesser of the two, while "least" is a superlative, used for the lowest in a group of three or more, as in the least of my worries. Choose "lesser" for two and "least" for many.
Can "lesser" be followed by "than"?
Unlike "less," "lesser" is rarely followed by "than"; you say "a lesser role," not "lesser than." When comparing with "than," use "less" or "smaller" instead, as in "less important than."
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