less: Meaning and Definition of

less

1. to a smaller extent, amount, or degree: less exact.
2. most certainly not (often prec. by much or still): He could barely pay for his own lodging, much less for that of his friend.
3. in any way different; other: He is nothing less than a thief.
4. by far short of being; not in the least; hardly at all: The job is less than perfect.

1. a smaller amount or quantity: Hundreds of soldiers arrived, but less of them remained.
2. something inferior or not as important: He was tortured for less.

1. minus; without: a year less two days; six dollars less tax.

-less

1. an adjective suffix meaning “without” (childless; peerless), and in adjectives derived from verbs, indicating failure or inability to perform or be performed (resistless; tireless).