Lesser expenditures vs. lower expenditures

[Curious Cat]

Hi all,

this may seem stupid, but I can't clearly formulate the rule why it's more preferable to say "lower expenditures/investment/costs" than "lesser...". Or do they both sound ok?
I'd appreciate your help, thanks.

[Temico]

why it's more preferable to say "lower expenditures/investment/costs" than "lesser...".

I believe the reason for this preference is because there is no appropriate/acceptable opposite word for "lesser".
e.g.

a) Lower expenditure --opposite--higher expenditure
b) Lower costs --opp.--higher costs
c) Lower investment --opp.--higher investment.

d) Less expenditure --opp.--more expenditure
e) Least expenditure --opp.--most expenditure
f) Lesser expenditure --opp.-- more expenditure? ( or much expenditure?) or perhaps extra expenditure???

[Curious Cat]

Thanks Temico! It's very helpful for me.