Word

lesser

adjective C1

UK /ˈlɛsə/

US /ˈlɛsɚ/

Meanings

adjective

Smaller or lower in degree, amount, importance, or rank compared with something else.

adjective

Used in the phrase “the lesser of two evils” to mean the less harmful of two bad options.

Definition

“Lesser” means smaller in amount, degree, importance, or rank when compared with something else.

“Lesser” is used to compare two things and show that one is not as great, strong, important, or high in status as the other. It often appears before a noun (for example, “a lesser role”) or in the phrase “the lesser of two evils.” It is common in formal or academic writing when making careful comparisons.

Examples

Although the sequel had a bigger budget, it made a lesser emotional impact than the original.
I took the lesser risk by delaying the launch until the security review was finished.
She refused a lesser position because it would have limited her ability to lead the project.
They framed it as the lesser of two evils, but the team still felt uneasy about the compromise.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes use “lesser” as the comparative of “little” in all cases, but it is mainly used in fixed phrases or before nouns (often “less” is more natural).