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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.
The Spirit had limited play from star player Trinity Rodman, who sustained a low-grade MCL sprain during a game last month and returned to action during the team's semifinal last week, when she was subbed in at the 90th minute of the match. Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025 So instead of a clarion call urging them to change, executives are hearing a series of low-grade alarms, constantly sounding and impossible to ever fully escape. David Podolsky, Fortune, 19 Nov. 2025 It’s known to trigger ongoing low-grade inflammation — the type of immune activity that may negatively impact how the body processes sugar, and even raise heart disease risk. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 18 Nov. 2025 In addition to hurting your skin directly thanks to their impact on collagen and elastin, AGEs also hurt your skin indirectly by triggering oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation—biological conditions that put strain on your whole body. Caroline Tien, SELF, 11 Nov. 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 26 Nov. 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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