second-class

1 of 2

adjective

sec·​ond-class ˈse-kən(d)-ˈklas 

-kᵊŋ-

1

: of or relating to a second class

2

: mediocre

also : socially, politically, or economically deprived

second class

2 of 2

noun

1

: the second and usually next to highest group in a classification

2

: cabin class

3

: a class of U.S. or Canadian mail comprising periodicals sent to regular subscribers

Synonyms of second-class

Adjective

• inferior
• minor
• mean
• smaller

Examples of second-class in a Sentence

Adjective

a playwright who produced only second-class work when he turned his hand to poetry

it's only a second-class restaurant and not worth the high prices

Noun

The airline offers special services for travelers in first and second class.

She got an upper second class in English at Oxford.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Regular open forums where people share experiences and learnings—not just successes—with AI will help everyone pedal forward without feeling like second-class citizens. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Muslim residents have long complained of being treated like second-class citizens in Thailand, and separatist movements have been periodically active for decades. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

Noun

Firstly, Hodges, a musical instrument salesman, was traveling for pleasure and was on his way to Boston to see some friends, traveling in second class. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Smalley said the Dance for Parkinson's classes in Norman proved so popular that a second class was added. — Carla Hinton, Oklahoman, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for second-class

• fiberglass
• fibreglass
• hourglass
• isinglass
• lemongrass
• martinmas
• orchardgrass
• overpass
• plexiglas
• plexiglass
• sassafras
• superclass

Kids Definition

second-class

adjective

1

: of or relating to a class next below the first or highest class

2

a

: inferior entry 1 sense 3, mediocre

b

: deprived of wealth or social rank