> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cosmocloud.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cosmocloud.io/flow-builder/cql-cosmocloud-query-language/building-conditions/conditional-operators/usdlt.md).

# $lt

`$lt` operator lets you evaluate **less than** between 2 values to be compared. You can use this in any [<mark style="color:blue;">**Conditional Objects**</mark>](/flow-builder/cql-cosmocloud-query-language/building-conditions/conditional-operators.md).

## Syntax

```json
{
    <key>: {
        "$lt": <value>
    }
}
```

### Properties

| Field    | Description                                                                                               | Required |
| -------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- |
| \<key>   | <p>The key which needs to be compared with the value.<br><br>This can also be a Magical Autocomplete.</p> | true     |
| \<value> | <p>The value to compare the <code>\<key></code> with.<br><br>This can also be a Magical Autocomplete.</p> | true     |

## Examples

Let's say we have declared a variable `age` in our API flow, which has a value of **20** currently.

```json
{
    "$.variables.age": {
        "$lt": 20
    }
}
```

The above expression would resolve to **false**.