lower-class

1 of 2

adjective

low·​er-class ˌlō-ər-ˈklas 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the lower class

2

: being an inferior or low-ranking specimen of its kind

a lower-class theater

lower class

2 of 2

noun

: a social class occupying a position below the middle class and having the lowest status in a society

Synonyms of lower-class

Adjective

• low
• plebeian
• proletarian
• low-life
• humble
• lowly
• poor
• inferior
• unwashed
• ignoble
• lumpen
• common
• vulgar
• middle-class
• lowborn

Examples of lower-class in a Sentence

Adjective

they were finally earning enough to get out of the lower-class tax bracket

Noun

a member of the lower class

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In recent years, more and more students from lower-class families have been able to attend universities. —The Atlantic, 16 June 2026

Noun

But for the most part, the Nuggets have watched this issue take hold of the league from a safe distance, perched above the lower class of the league’s perpetual pursuit of the next superstar. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 June 2026

Researchers and cannabis dispensary owners shared their excitement for possible changes after the Justice Department reclassified medical marijuana to a lower class Thursday. —Tara Lynch, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1637, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lower-class

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

Kids Definition

lower-class

adjective

low·​er-class

-ˈklas

: of, relating to, or being the social class ranking below the middle class