less: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Neutral (used in all registers from formal to informal)
Quick answer
What does “less” mean?
A smaller amount or quantity of something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A smaller amount or quantity of something; to a smaller extent or degree; the opposite of 'more'.
Can function as a determiner, pronoun, adverb, or adjective. Used in comparative structures, for subtraction, and to express reduction, diminishment, or inferiority in degree, amount, or importance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. The prescriptive rule distinguishing 'fewer' (countable) and 'less' (uncountable) is upheld more rigorously in formal British English, while American English shows slightly more casual use of 'less' with countables.
Connotations
Neutral in both. The phrase 'less is more' (minimalism) is universally understood.
Frequency
Extremely high and comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “less” in a Sentence
less + uncountable noun (less water)less + adjective/adverb (less important, less quickly)less of a + singular noun (less of a problem)less than + number/amount (less than ten)verb + less (eat less)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “less” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new policy aims to less the burden on taxpayers.
- They sought to less the impact of the recession.
American English
- The software update lessed the strain on the processor.
- He tried to less his involvement in the project.
adverb
British English
- He visits much less frequently now.
- The second film was less successfully reviewed.
American English
- I like this one less than the old version.
- She works less efficiently when tired.
adjective
British English
- She was paid a less amount for the same work.
- He chose the less risky investment option.
American English
- We are looking for a less expensive alternative.
- She felt a less intense pain after the medication.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports to indicate cost reduction, lower risk, or decreased activity (e.g., 'less overhead', 'less market volatility').
Academic
Used for comparative analysis, stating limitations, or quantifying differences (e.g., 'The experimental group showed less anxiety.', 'The study had less external validity.')
Everyday
Ubiquitous for comparing quantities, expressing preferences, or discussing changes (e.g., 'I need less salt.', 'It's less sunny today.')
Technical
Used in mathematics (subtraction), science (lower concentration/measurement), and computing (lower value/usage).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “less”
- Using 'less' with plural countable nouns in formal writing (e.g., 'less cars' instead of 'fewer cars').
- Incorrect: 'He is less taller than me.' Correct: 'He is less tall than me.' or 'He is shorter than me.'
- Confusing 'less' (degree/amount) with 'lower' (position/level) in phrases like 'lower prices' (preferred) vs. 'less prices' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Less' is used with uncountable nouns (less money, less time). 'Fewer' is used with countable plural nouns (fewer coins, fewer hours). However, 'less' is commonly used informally with countables, especially in phrases like 'less than 10 miles'.
Yes, but typically in specific constructions: 1) With units of measurement, time, and money treated as a collective mass (less than 5 pounds, less than three weeks). 2) In the fixed phrase 'one less thing to worry about'. 3) Informally, it is very widespread, though 'fewer' remains the formal standard.
No. 'Lesser' is a comparative adjective meaning 'not as great or important' and usually precedes a noun directly (the lesser evil, a lesser-known author). It cannot be used with 'than'. 'Less' is more versatile (determiner, pronoun, adverb) and is used in comparisons with 'than'.
It means to have no interest or concern at all; to be completely indifferent. The phrase 'could care less' (common in American English) is often considered illogical, as it suggests some care remains.
A smaller amount or quantity of something.
Less is usually neutral (used in all registers from formal to informal) in register.
Less: in British English it is pronounced /lɛs/, and in American English it is pronounced /lɛs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “less is more”
- “more or less”
- “no less than”
- “couldn't care less”
- “in less than no time”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'LESS' as containing one 'S' – which is a smaller letter than 'M' in 'MORE'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LESS IS DOWN / LESS IS A DECREASE (e.g., 'prices fell', 'turn down the volume'). Conversely, MORE IS UP.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'less' correctly in formal written English?