less
Often confused with fewer
- 1A smaller amount of something, not as much.
There is less water in the tank after the leak.
We have less time than the schedule suggested.
UsageUse less for things you cannot count (less water) and fewer for things you can count (fewer cars). For amounts, say less than ten miles.
- 2Not as much, or to a smaller degree, as in 'less expensive'.
She worries less now that the kids are grown.
He travels less than he used to.
UsageTo compare, use than: less tired than before. With short words, not as big as often sounds better.
Oppositemore (entry)
- 3A smaller amount or quantity of something.
She made do with less when money was tight.
He always wants more and never settles for less.
UsageOften in phrases like make do with less and settle for less.
Oppositemore (entry)
- 4A smaller number of countable things.
Less than twenty people showed up to the rally.
We had less complaints after fixing the website.
UsageIn careful writing, say fewer with things you can count: fewer complaints (not
incorrect: less complaints).Similarfewer
Oppositemore (entry)
Note
Less common meanings
- 5
- 6Smaller in size or importance.
This he said, thinking that Alan would be pleased; but the Highlandman’s vanity was ready to startle at a less matter than that.
1886, Robert Louis Stevenson, KidnappedHere, less means smaller or less important, so a smaller matter.Such too, to a greater or less extent, is the condition of the operatives of every denomination in England, which is the great workhouse of the world.
1854, Henry D[avid] Thoreau, “Economy”UsageBefore a noun, usually use smaller or lesser: a smaller hall, a lesser matter.
Note
- 7To make something smaller or to reduce it.
Soon as I lessed the tree of this, it waned — Less cause, gave less effect
1852, Charles Heavysege, The revolt of TartarusHere, lessed means made smaller or reduced.The scattered beauties thro' the air, Have lessed the woe, the dread, the care;
1886, Horace Eaton Walker, The Lady of Dardale and Other PoemsNote
- 8Unless, or if not.
Don't go outside less you take a coat.
I won't come less you ask me.
Similarunless
Note
- 9Alternative form of let's. An informal spelling used in texts and casual writing, as in "less go."
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origins
From Old English lǣs, meaning "smaller" or "less." It goes back to older Germanic and Indo-European roots.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Less derives from Old English lǣs, meaning “smaller” or “less.” en.wiktionary.org
- The word has older Germanic and Indo-European roots. en.wiktionary.org
From Old English lǣs, meaning "less." Later used as a short form of unless, often written 'less.