second-rate

adjective

sec·​ond-rate ˌse-kən(d)-ˈrāt How to pronounce second-rate (audio)
Synonyms of second-ratenext
: 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.
Meanwhile, TPUs are far from a second-rate technology. Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025 In Prime 4, Samus is humorless, simply nodding along while others try their best at second-rate comedy. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 2 Dec. 2025 Moreno said Bad Bunny is a second-rate performer and said his performing at the Super Bowl is a partisan choice. Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2025 The freshman quarterback has faced second-rate competition thus far and has daunting matchups next month. Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 24 Sep. 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 22 Dec. 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

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