Synonyms

lessen

American

[les-uhn] / ˈlɛs ən /

verb (used without object)

to become less.

verb (used with object)

to make less; reduce.
Archaic. to represent as less; depreciate; disparage.

lessen British

/ ˈlɛsən /

verb

to make or become less
(tr) to make little of

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

unlessened adjective

Etymology

Origin of lessen

First recorded in 1300–50; late Middle English lessenen, lasnen; equivalent to less + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mia, a year 11 pupil, said it would "help lessen the stress and stop the burden of paying £300 for a dress".

From BBC

This has enabled Pyongyang to lessen dependence on its main long-term backer, China.

From Barron's

Since then, the stigma surrounding bargain stores has lessened for both customers and brands.

From Los Angeles Times

While staying the course with your investment program is likely the best strategy, you can take steps to lessen the risks inherent in today’s “narrow” market.

From The Wall Street Journal

This could include making staff redundant, or negotiating with landlords to lessen the burden of "onerous contracts".

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023