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

And your central argument is that although most of the world may hope that the war between Iran and the United States will end soon, the low-grade conflict the two sides have been having for months is sustainable and likely to endure. — Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026

These simple devices convert low-grade waste heat into electricity. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026

Shaving, friction from clothing, ingrown hairs, and even certain deodorants can cause low-grade inflammation, which may lead to excess pigment known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). — Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026

Their compressive strengths measured 10 to 12 megapascals, comparable to low-grade concrete. — New Atlas, 26 Sep. 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