less than

Idioms and Phrases

Not at all or hardly at all. For example, He had a less than favorable view of the matter , or She had a less than adequate grasp of the subject . This expression uses less in the sense of “a smaller quantity, number, or extent than is implied,” a usage dating from about a.d. 1000. The same sense appears in less than no time , a hyperbolic term for a very short time (as in Don't worry, he'll be here in less than no time ) that dates from about 1800.

Example Sentences

Kim is mocking the entire value system on which she built her career, as well as her own less-than-savory past.

From The Daily Beast

Try to ensure that future generations see his as a less-than-legitimate presidency.

From The Daily Beast

Conservatives have for several years wondered aloud about Barack Obama and his seemingly less-than-warm approach to Israel.

From The Daily Beast

But the same inducement in song at the end of a Woody Allen show has the potential to come off as less-than sincere.

From The Daily Beast

Imagine what General Electric and Bank of America and Exxon Mobile and every less-than-scrupulous business in America will do.

From The Daily Beast

The competitor who paid the less-than-carload rate on an equal volume of business would be sadly handicapped.

From Project Gutenberg

King threw away his less-than-half-consumed cheroot and they started to walk together toward King's camp.

From Project Gutenberg

They are not seen; they are not heard, they are less-than nothing, and there is no intercession.

From Project Gutenberg