Lessened

The past tense and past participle of the verb 'lessen,' meaning to decrease, diminish, or reduce something in size, amount, intensity, or degree. It signifies a making or becoming smaller, weaker, or less significant. This can apply to physical quantities, emotions, problems, and any other abstract concept susceptible to reduction. The implication is a change from a previous, higher state to a lower one, with the extent of the lessening being variable depending on the context.

Lessened meaning with examples

• After a period of intense rain, the floodwaters lessened significantly, allowing residents to begin the cleanup process and assess the damage to their homes and businesses. This brought relief to the community, which had been gravely affected by the disaster. Emergency services were also able to access areas previously cut off.
• The company's financial struggles lessened somewhat after they implemented a restructuring plan that involved cost-cutting measures and streamlining operations across all the departments to maximize profit. This initial improvement signaled the company's ability to pull itself out of debt and regain consumer trust.
• As she shared her feelings with her therapist, the weight of her sadness lessened. The cathartic release helped her gain clarity and start dealing with the underlying issues. Each session contributed to the resolution and lessening of her anxieties about the future.
• The severity of the symptoms lessened with the use of over-the-counter medication and adequate rest. The patient was relieved that the treatment proved effective in mitigating her ailment and the amount of time they would have to spend sick.
• With the passage of time, the impact of the scandal lessened in the public's memory. The media eventually shifted its focus to other events, and the public discourse moved on. Many agreed that the damage to the celebrity's career was still significant.