ENGLISH
REFERENCE

less than

idiom
Meaning

This phrase means an amount or number is smaller than another one. You can also use it to say something is not as good as something else.


Examples
SIMPLE

This bag costs less than twenty dollars.

CONTEXTUAL

The service at the restaurant was less than impressive, so we decided not to return.

COMPLEX

His explanation for the missing funds was less than convincing, leaving the board members with many unanswered questions regarding his integrity.

Last updated April 22, 2026