Lessintensive

Lessintensive is an adjective used to describe something that requires a lower degree of intensity than another comparable item or baseline. The term is formed from the determiner less and the adjective intensive, which itself derives from the Latin intensus meaning stretched or concentrated. In practice, lessintensive is not a widely established lexical entry in major dictionaries; more common spellings are less-intensive (hyphenated) or less intensive (two words).

Usage and contexts

Lessintensive can apply across domains where intensity varies. In fitness, a lessintensive program emphasizes moderate effort, gentler progression, and longer recovery. In medical or therapeutic settings, lessintensive protocols aim to reduce burden or adverse effects while preserving effectiveness. In education, a lessintensive study schedule might involve shorter, more frequent sessions or reduced workload. In industry or software, a lessintensive mode or process consumes fewer resources, generates less heat, or requires less energy.

Stylistic notes

For formal writing, hyphenated less-intensive is the common preference, though less intensive or even lessintensive may be encountered in branding or technical contexts. To avoid ambiguity, it is advisable to specify the baseline or comparator, for example, “less-intensive than the standard protocol.”

See also

Intensive, less, moderation, optimization.