second-rate

adjective

sec·​ond-rate ˌse-kən(d)-ˈrāt 

: of second or inferior quality or value : mediocre

a second-rate restaurant

second-rateness noun

second-rater

ˌse-kən(d)-ˈrā-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• common
• fair
• indifferent
• mediocre
• medium
• middling
• ordinary
• passable
• run-of-the-mill
• run-of-the-mine
• run-of-mine
• second-class
• so-so

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

While Holmes won’t be behind the wheel, Hettinger Racing isn’t settling for second-rate talent. —Greg Engle, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

The Trojans still had few postseason options available to them beyond a second-rate bowl game. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024

Virtual meetings aren’t just second-rate versions of the in-person kind. —William Arruda, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024

According to projections by the International Energy Agency, Russia will forgo more than $1 trillion in oil and gas revenues by 2030, relegating the country to a second-rate energy power. —Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 23 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

second-rate

adjective

sec·​ond-rate

ˌsek-ən-ˈ(d)rāt

: of second or ordinary quality or value : mediocre