lesser

1 of 2

adjective

less·​er ˈle-sər How to pronounce lesser (audio)

comparative of little entry 1

: of less size, quality, degree, or significance : of lower status

lesser

2 of 2

adverb

: less
lesser-known

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Toronto’s Fred VanVleet appears to be the top target, but Miami’s Kyle Lowry, Utah’s Mike Conley and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier have been linked to the team at various points. Staff Writer follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023 The story of 2022 (and 2021 to a lesser extent) was energy. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 31 Jan. 2023
Adverb
Donate lesser used decorations so everything fits easily in the storage room in January. Amy Slenker-Smith, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 But the team uses a Ferrari engine and is lesser known to American fans. Sahil Kapur, NBC News, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lesser 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lesser was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near lesser

Cite this Entry

“Lesser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lesser. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lesser

1 of 2 adjective
less·​er ˈles-ər How to pronounce lesser (audio)
: of smaller size or importance

lesser

2 of 2 adverb

Legal Definition

lesser

adjective
less·​er ˈle-sər How to pronounce lesser (audio)
: 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.

More from Merriam-Webster on lesser

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!