low-grade

adjective

ˈlō-ˈgrād 

1

: of inferior grade or quality

2

: being near that extreme of a specified range which is lowest, least intense, least serious, or least competent

a low-grade fever

a low-grade infection

Synonyms

• bad
• bargain-basement
• bum
• cheap
• cheapjack
• cheesy
• coarse
• common
• crappy [slang]
• cut-rate
• el cheapo
• execrable
• gimcrack
• inferior
• junky
• lousy
• low-rent
• mediocre
• miserable
• poor
• rotten
• rubbishy
• schlock
• schlocky
• shlock
• shlocky
• second-rate
• shoddy
• sleazy
• terrible
• trashy
• trumpery
• wretched

Examples of low-grade in a Sentence

plumbing fixtures that were made out of low-grade materials

Recent Examples on the Web

With Franco and Jackson leading the chaos, this could be an in-demand title for buyers looking for low-grade stoner laughs. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025

This type of surgery is used for a low-grade tumor that has started to invade the wall of the bladder. —Steffini Stalos, Health, 25 Jan. 2025

Some people also have a low-grade fever, Blumberg said. —Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 16 Jan. 2025

Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can increase levels of cytokines and other inflammatory proteins, contributing to low-grade, chronic inflammation.8 Prioritizing sleep—between 7-9 hours a night—can help keep inflammation in check and support your overall health. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

low-grade

adjective

ˈlō-ˈgrād

1

: of poor grade or quality

2

: being near that end of a range which is lowest, weakest, or least able

a low-grade fever

Medical Definition

low-grade

adjective

ˈlō-ˈgrād 

: being near that extreme of a specified range which is lowest, least intense, or least competent

a low-grade fever

a low-grade infection

compare high-grade