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 of lesser

Adjective

• less
• smaller
• lower

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

In that earlier trial, three other members of the Oath Keepers were found guilty of lesser charges. — Jan Wolfe and C. Ryan Barber, WSJ, 23 Jan. 2023

Upon its debut, the reborn Defender appeared both as the mainstay four-door 110 and the two-door 90—which is lesser in length but greater in charm. — Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 19 Jan. 2023

Adverb

Though lesser known, millet is a type of small-seeded grass that can be prepared similarly to oatmeal. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 4 May 2026

One non-hospital option that may be lesser known to people is ambulatory surgery centers. — Anthem Blue Cross California, Daily News, 10 June 2026

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 of two evils
• 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.