# lessen

/ˈɫɛsən/ (US) · /lˈɛsən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lessen
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to reduce something

verb · CEFR B2

to make something smaller, weaker, or less in amount.

For teachers: to cause something to decrease in size, extent, amount, or degree. Transitive — takes a direct object.

- The new medicine helped to lessen the pain in his back.
- The government introduced several tax breaks intended to lessen the financial burden on small business owners during the recession.

### 2. to become less

verb · CEFR B2

to become smaller or weaker.

For teachers: to become less in size, degree, or intensity. Intransitive — used without a direct object.

- As the storm moved away, the sound of the wind began to lessen.
- The risk of infection will lessen significantly once the patient completes the full course of antibiotics.

## Examples

- Taking this medicine will help lessen the pain.
- The new safety measures were designed to lessen the risk of accidents during the construction project.
- While the initial shock of the news was profound, the passage of time served to lessen her grief, allowing her to focus on the future once more.

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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.