Phrase guide

much less

conj · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

conj

Meaning 1

Let alone; to say nothing of, not to mention.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • You wouldn't want a dog running around the house, much less a monkey!
  • 1895. M.K. Gandhi, Petition to Natal Legislative Assembly It is hopeless for him to return to India and expect to earn bread, much less to make a fortune.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

conj

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see much, less.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He's at the bar much less often than his mother lately.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

15 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Arabic: نَاهِيكَ عَن (nāhīka ʕan) — let alone
  • Breton: ne lavaran ket — let alone
  • Chinese Mandarin: 更不用說 /更不用说 (gèng bùyòng shuō) — let alone
  • Chinese Mandarin: 何況 /何况 (hékuàng) — let alone
  • Finnish: vielä vähemmän — let alone
  • French: encore moins — let alone
  • Hungarian: nemhogy — let alone
  • Italian: meno che meno — let alone
  • Japanese: 況してや (mashiteya) — let alone
  • Polish: nie mówiąc już o — let alone
  • Polish: a co dopiero — let alone
  • Polish: a tym bardziej — let alone
  • Romanian: nemai vorbind — let alone
  • Scottish Gaelic: gun luaidh — let alone
  • Swedish: än mindre — let alone