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.
Vientos has seen his playing time dwindle, first with the injury (a low-grade hamstring strain) and then with the slump since his return. Tim Britton, New York Times, 11 July 2025 That’s a sign of reactive cookware, typically aluminum or low-grade stainless steel, interacting with the food. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 July 2025 The other types of cancers that develop in the appendix are generally low-grade and affect digestion. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 3 July 2025 Early symptoms of the disease look like a common cold: low-grade fever, mild cough and runny or stuffy nose. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 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 18 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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