déclassé

adjective

dé·​clas·​sé ˌdā-ˌkla-ˈsā How to pronounce déclassé (audio)
-ˌklä-
1
: fallen or lowered in class, rank, or social position
2
: of inferior status

Word History

Etymology

French, from past participle of déclasser to declass

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of déclassé was in 1887

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Cite this Entry

“Déclassé.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/d%C3%A9class%C3%A9. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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