Provided is a novel lithium secondary battery comprising a positive electrode comprising a compound capable of occluding and discharging lithium, a negative electrode composed mainly of a carbon material which comprises a graphite as an only or as a principal component, a separator between said positive electrode and said negative electrode; and an electrolyte solution of an electrolyte solute dissolved in a solvent comprising at least one specific cyclic compound. The lithium secondary battery has a large capacity, small self-discharge rate and excellent cycle characteristics and high charge-discharge efficiency.