lesser

American  

[les-er] / ˈlɛs ər /

adjective

1. smaller, as in size or importance; inferior.

   a lesser evil.

---

adverb

1. less.

lesser British  

/ ˈlɛsə /

adjective

1. not as great in quantity, size, or worth

---

Etymology

Origin of lesser

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English lasser, lesser; less, -er ⁴

Compare meaning

How does lesser compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• lesser vs. lessor

Example Sentences

Since then, the Bruins haven’t achieved that kind of dominance even against lesser opponents.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

By that time it was seen as the lesser evil for the industry.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Daryanani said that “investors are increasingly viewing Dell, and to a lesser extent HPE, as potential beneficiaries of any reallocation of Nvidia supply.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

John Rogers was convicted of a lesser charge in a case that featured spycraft, online seduction and a blackmail scam.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

‘Yea,’ he said; ‘for though the Stones be lost, they say, still the lords of Gondor have keener sight than lesser men, and many messages come to them. But sit now!’

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Related Words

• insignificant
• minor