Common Mistakes : Lessen

Lessen – Verb

BAD: Fortunately, my workload has been lessened

GOOD: Fortunately, my workload has been reduced

BAD: The best solution is to lessen the amount of traffic entering the town

GOOD: The best solution is to reduce the amount of traffic entering the town

Lessen is mainly used in connection with pain and feelings: ‘I’ll give you an injection to lessen the pain.’ ‘No amount of comforting could lessen Charles’ disappointment

When you mean ‘make something smaller in amount, number, price or size’, use reduce : The workforce has been reduced by 50 percent