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
: a social class occupying a position below the middle class and having the lowest status in a society
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
Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 July 2025
The book is part of Ramos’ series about Luis Montez, a Denver lawyer whose clients are a motley collection of the city’s lower class.
—Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 27 July 2025
The music was long associated with the lower classes and Black Dominicans.
—Wilfredo José Burgos Matos, The Conversation, 25 July 2025
The scheme has resulted in lower class action payouts for consumers, according to the suits, allegations that are part of a troubling pattern in class action payouts that Forbes recently reported on.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lower-class
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.
Noun
Both Giulio, who comes from a Sicilian aristocratic family, and Ketty, who is more lower class, use lots of drugs — pot in particular.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 July 2025
The book is part of Ramos’ series about Luis Montez, a Denver lawyer whose clients are a motley collection of the city’s lower class.
—Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 27 July 2025
The music was long associated with the lower classes and Black Dominicans.
—Wilfredo José Burgos Matos, The Conversation, 25 July 2025
The scheme has resulted in lower class action payouts for consumers, according to the suits, allegations that are part of a troubling pattern in class action payouts that Forbes recently reported on.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lower-class
Cite this Entry
“Lower-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lower-class. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share