# less than

idiom · CEFR A2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/less-than
Updated: 2026-04-22

## 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

- This bag costs less than twenty dollars.
- The service at the restaurant was less than impressive, so we decided not to return.
- His explanation for the missing funds was less than convincing, leaving the board members with many unanswered questions regarding his integrity.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.