second-class

1 of 2

adjective

sec·​ond-class ˈse-kən(d)-ˈklas 

-kᵊŋ-

1

: of or relating to a second class

2

: mediocre

also : socially, politically, or economically deprived

second class

2 of 2

noun

1

: the second and usually next to highest group in a classification

2

: cabin class

3

: a class of U.S. or Canadian mail comprising periodicals sent to regular subscribers

Synonyms

Adjective

• inferior
• mean
• minor
• second-rate
• secondary

Examples of second-class in a Sentence

Adjective

a playwright who produced only second-class work when he turned his hand to poetry

it's only a second-class restaurant and not worth the high prices

Noun

The airline offers special services for travelers in first and second class.

She got an upper second class in English at Oxford.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Supreme Court's conservatives argued religious institutions can’t be treated as second-class and railed against discrimination. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 May 2025

In a world where kids are often treated like second-class citizens who should be seen and not heard, Janine brings a refreshing perspective toward children. —Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025

Noun

Might a loan from an S corporation really be a disguised second class of stock which is prohibited? —Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

The outlet named its first round of two-year fellows in July 2023 and the second class in May 2024. —Sara Fischer, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for second-class

• candlemas
• fiberglass
• fibreglass
• hourglass
• isinglass
• lemongrass
• martinmas
• orchardgrass
• overpass
• plexiglas
• plexiglass
• sassafras

Kids Definition

second-class

adjective

1

: of or relating to a class next below the first or highest class

2

a

: inferior entry 1 sense 3, mediocre

b

: deprived of wealth or social rank