You use lesser in order to indicate that something is smaller in extent, degree, or amount than another thing that has been mentioned. No medication works in isolation but is affected to a greater or lesser extent by many other factors The more obvious potential allies are Ireland, Denmark and, to a lesser degree, the Netherlands. Lesser is also an adverb. lesser known works by famous artists
smaller in size or amount or value; "the lesser powers of Europe"; "the lesser anteater"
You can use lesser to refer to something or someone that is less important than other things or people of the same type. They pleaded guilty to lesser charges of criminal damage He was feared by other, lesser, men
smaller in size or amount or value; "the lesser powers of Europe"; "the lesser anteater" of less size or importance; "the lesser anteater"; "the lesser of two evils