≲

Math Operator 111

Unicode
U+2272
Category
Math
HTML Entity
≲
CSS
\2272
The less-than or equivalent to symbol (≲) is a mathematical operator that combines a standard less-than sign (<) with a tilde (~). It is primarily used in physics and advanced mathematics to indicate that one quantity is asymptotically bounded by, or less than or approximately equal to, another. While essential for technical equations and academic papers, you won't typically see this symbol used in casual texting or everyday typography.

How to Type

Windows
Win + . then search "less-than", or type 2272 followed by Alt + X in Word
macOS
Control + Command + Space then search "less-than or equivalent to"
Linux
Ctrl + Shift + U then 2272 and Enter
HTML
&lesssim; or &#x2272;

In Programming

Frequently used in LaTeX mathematical typesetting via the command \lesssim to denote asymptotic upper bounds. It is generally not supported as a native operator in standard programming languages, which rely on <= instead.

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Tags

approximately less than approximation asymptotic inequality comparison copy less than or equivalent latex lesssim less than or equivalent less than or similar to mathematics order of magnitude comparison ordering physics inequality symbol tilde less than unicode 2272

Related Symbols

± Plus Minus Sign × Multiplication Sign ÷ Division Sign ≠ Not Equal To ≈ Approximately Equal To ∞ Infinity √ Square Root ∑ Summation ∫ Integral π Pi ≤ Less Than or Equal To ≥ Greater Than or Equal To