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

Examples of low-grade in a Sentence

plumbing fixtures that were made out of low-grade materials
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.
Here’s What the Research Showed The study, funded by the National Mango Board, involved 48 adult men ages 20-60 who had overweight or obesity and chronic low-grade inflammation. Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 28 June 2025 The low-grade version is linked with a one in 10 chance of developing esophageal cancer, while the high-grade version increases to a one in five chance. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2025 Built on rapid production cycles, many fast fashion items are made with low-grade materials and manufactured in developing countries under low-wage conditions. Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Shot on low-grade digital cameras that made every image look even more apocalyptic and degraded, the film remains utterly terrifying, boasting excellent supporting turns from Naomie Harris and Brendan Gleeson as Jim’s fellow survivors. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for low-grade

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of low-grade was in 1877

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Low-grade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/low-grade. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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