low·er-class
ˌlō-ər-ˈklas 
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the lower class
2
: being an inferior or low-ranking specimen of its kind
a lower-class theater
: a social class occupying a position below the middle class and having the lowest status in a society
Synonyms
Examples of lower-class in a Sentence
Adjective
they were finally earning enough to get out of the lower-class tax bracket
Noun
a member of the lower class
Recent Examples on the Web
Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 12 Oct. 2024
During the early to mid-20th century, Black Pentecostals were often seen as lower class, unlike other Protestant groups such as Black Baptists and Methodists.
—Dara Delgado, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024
And even those from the lower classes who do graduate are often overlooked in the job market in favor of the well-heeled and well-connected.
—Shannon K. O'Neil, Foreign Affairs, 3 May 2017
According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), if a consumer has been involuntarily moved to a lower class of service, they are owed the difference in fare.
—Harrison Pierce, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lower-class 
Noun
In literature, Nabataean society is often described as being more egalitarian, with the king more integrated with lower classes than leaders of other civilizations, Creasman said.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 12 Oct. 2024
During the early to mid-20th century, Black Pentecostals were often seen as lower class, unlike other Protestant groups such as Black Baptists and Methodists.
—Dara Delgado, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024
And even those from the lower classes who do graduate are often overlooked in the job market in favor of the well-heeled and well-connected.
—Shannon K. O'Neil, Foreign Affairs, 3 May 2017
According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), if a consumer has been involuntarily moved to a lower class of service, they are owed the difference in fare.
—Harrison Pierce, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lower-class
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lower-class.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near lower-class
Cite this Entry
“Lower-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lower-class. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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