second-rate

adjective

sec·​ond-rate ˌse-kən(d)-ˈrāt How to pronounce second-rate (audio)
: of second or inferior quality or value : mediocre
a second-rate restaurant
second-rateness noun
second-rater noun

Examples of second-rate in a Sentence

a second-rate song from a songwriter who has done much better a second-rate company that was never considered among the top manufacturers of televisions second-rate goods specifically manufactured for the low end of the market
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While Holmes won’t be behind the wheel, Hettinger Racing isn’t settling for second-rate talent. Greg Engle, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 The Trojans still had few postseason options available to them beyond a second-rate bowl game. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024 Virtual meetings aren’t just second-rate versions of the in-person kind. William Arruda, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 According to projections by the International Energy Agency, Russia will forgo more than $1 trillion in oil and gas revenues by 2030, relegating the country to a second-rate energy power. Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 23 Feb. 2023 See all Example Sentences for second-rate 

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second-rate was in 1669

Dictionary Entries Near second-rate

Cite this Entry

“Second-rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-rate. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

second-rate

adjective
sec·​ond-rate
ˌsek-ən-ˈ(d)rāt
: of second or ordinary quality or value : mediocre

More from Merriam-Webster on second-rate

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