no less

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Used after a person, thing or fact to show that it is surprising or impressive, as if to say 'really, that important'.

   Grammar: Added after the noun, often with a comma: a message from the king, no less.

   Patterns

   • someone, no less
   • something, no less

   She was served by the head chef himself, no less.

   He arrived in a vintage Rolls-Royce, no less.

   Our guest speaker was a Nobel laureate, no less.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Not any smaller in amount or importance; at least as much.

   Grammar: Often appears in no less than or no less important: no less than ten people.

   Patterns

   • no less than something
   • no less important

   The report was no less alarming than the first.

   No less than fifty people came to the meeting.

   Her second novel is no less brilliant than her debut.

Common combinations

no less than

No less than a thousand fans waited outside.

no less important

Honesty is no less important than skill.

no less a person than

He was thanked by no less a person than the mayor.

and no less

They finished the race, and in record time, no less.

Synonyms and how they differ

nothing less than

Nothing less than stresses that only the stated thing is acceptable, whereas no less after a noun adds surprise.

as much as

As much as is plainer and does not carry the tone of admiration or surprise.

of all people

Of all people suggests that the choice is unexpected, while no less highlights how impressive it is.

Opposites

Word family

less adverb

to a smaller degree

nonetheless adverb

despite that

nevertheless adverb

in spite of that

lesser adjective

smaller or lower in importance

Commonly confused: no less or no less vs nonetheless?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “no less”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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