lesser

1 of 2

adjective

less·​er ˈle-sər 

comparative of little entry 1

: of less size, quality, degree, or significance : of lower status

lesser

2 of 2

adverb

: less

lesser-known

Synonyms

Adjective

• inferior
• junior
• less
• lower
• minor
• smaller
• subordinate

Examples of lesser in a Sentence

Adjective

The winner will receive $100; lesser amounts will be given to three runners-up.

A lesser man than he might have simply given up.

She agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points. —Staff Writer follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023

The story of 2022 (and 2021 to a lesser extent) was energy. —Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 31 Jan. 2023

Adverb

Mexican long-nosed bats are often confused with another species, the lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae). —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025

If your heart is set on black, try it in lesser used or smaller spaces like butler's pantries. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lesser

• lesser celandine
• lesser cornstalk borer
• lesser one-horned rhino
• lesser one-horned rhinoceros
• lesser panda
• lesser peach tree borer
• lesser yellowlegs
• to a greater/lesser degree/extent
• to a greater or lesser degree/extent

Rhymes for lesser

• dresser
• lessor
• presser
• pressor
• stressor
• aggressor
• assessor
• compressor
• confessor
• depressor
• hairdresser
• necessar

Kids Definition

lesser

1 of 2 adjective

less·​er ˈles-ər 

: of smaller size or importance

lesser

2 of 2 adverb

: less entry 2

Legal Definition

lesser

adjective

less·​er ˈle-sər 

: of less size, quality, degree, or significance

specifically : of lower criminal liability

duress has been held a good defense to such lesser crimes as robbery, burglary and malicious mischief

—W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.