low-grade

adjective

ˈlō-ˈgrād 

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

Synonyms of low-grade

• cheap
• inferior
• poor
• terrible
• coarse
• bad
• rotten
• common

Examples of low-grade in a Sentence

plumbing fixtures that were made out of low-grade materials

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the biggest concerns in lupus care is the possibility of low-grade inflammation that persists without obvious symptoms. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Mar. 2026

As of March 11, 28 Buc-ee's locations in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas received the low-grade rating. —Greta Cross, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Mar. 2026

Household noise, light coming in from the window or hallway, sharing a room with a sibling and even low-grade stress or anxiety can all chip away at sleep quality. —Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 10 Mar. 2026

Sustained activation of the sympathetic nervous system promotes the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a state of constant, low-grade inflammation throughout the body. —Daniel Combs, Verywell Health, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for low-grade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

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

ˈlō-ˈgrād 

: 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