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.
Sometime in the late 18th century, though, offal started suffering from an image problem, viewed by some people to be an affordable but second-rate food. Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025 Aside from the weather, hourlong wait times for food, defective wristbands and second-rate VIP experiences were among the complaints from festivalgoers. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2025 The occasion: a second-rate literary award ceremony. Dwight Garner, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025 It must be acknowledged and accepted that educators are the experts in their profession and not second-rate. Patricia A. Daniel, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Second-rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-rate. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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