second-class

1 of 2

adjective

sec·​ond-class ˈse-kən(d)-ˈklas 

-kᵊŋ-

1

: of or relating to a second class

2

: mediocre

also : socially, politically, or economically deprived

second class

2 of 2

noun

1

: the second and usually next to highest group in a classification

2

: cabin class

3

: a class of U.S. or Canadian mail comprising periodicals sent to regular subscribers

Synonyms

Adjective

• inferior
• mean
• minor
• second-rate
• secondary

Examples of second-class in a Sentence

Adjective

a playwright who produced only second-class work when he turned his hand to poetry

it's only a second-class restaurant and not worth the high prices

Noun

The airline offers special services for travelers in first and second class.

She got an upper second class in English at Oxford.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

By advocating for a military that restricts opportunities based on religion or gender, Hegseth seeks to effectively treat millions of Americans as second-class citizens, forbidden from serving their country in the armed forces. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

This speaks to a broader issue of human rights violations against girls and women who are still treated as second-class citizens. —Lipi Roy, Md, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

Noun

Allison was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011 as part of its second class. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 10 Nov. 2024

Allison, who was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s second class in 2011, is a five-time NASCAR champion – Cup Series (1983), Modified Division (1964, ’65) and Modified Special Division (1962, ’63). —Bruce Martin, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

second-class

adjective

1

: of or relating to a class next below the first or highest class

2

a

: inferior entry 1 sense 3, mediocre

b

: deprived of wealth or social rank