fewer

1 of 2

pronoun

few·​er ˈfyü-ər 

ˈfyu̇r

plural in construction

: a smaller number of persons or things

fewer

2 of 2

adjective

comparative of few

Less vs. Fewer: Usage Guide

The traditional view is that less applies to matters of degree, value, or amount and modifies collective nouns, mass nouns, or nouns denoting an abstract whole while fewer applies to matters of number and modifies plural nouns. Less has been used to modify plural nouns since the days of King Alfred and the usage, though roundly decried, appears to be increasing. Less is more likely than fewer to modify plural nouns when distances, sums of money, and a few fixed phrases are involved

less than 100 miles

an investment of less than $2000

in 25 words or less

and as likely as fewer to modify periods of time.

in less (or fewer) than four hours

Examples of fewer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The risk is lower in areas such as the Pacific Northwest, where the population is less vulnerable, and Greenland, where fewer people live near glacial lakes. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Feb. 2023

The Cavs are now just 4-7 in games decided by three points or fewer. —Chris Fedor, cleveland, 31 Jan. 2023

Of their eight Quad 1 losses, five have been by single digits — including three decided by six points or fewer. —Tom Green | [e-mail], al, 27 Jan. 2023

Three of his losses have come by two points or fewer. —Mark Stewart, Journal Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Pronoun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fewer

1 of 2 adjective

few·​er ˈfyü-ər 

: not so many : a smaller number of

fewer

2 of 2 pronoun

: a smaller number of persons or things

—used in plural

fewer are available