second-rate

adjective

sec·​ond-rate ˌse-kən(d)-ˈrāt 

: of second or inferior quality or value : mediocre

a second-rate restaurant

second-rateness noun

second-rater

ˌse-kən(d)-ˈrā-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• common
• fair
• indifferent
• mediocre
• medium
• middling
• ordinary
• passable
• run-of-the-mill
• run-of-the-mine
• run-of-mine
• second-class
• so-so

Examples of second-rate in a Sentence

a second-rate song from a songwriter who has done much better

a second-rate company that was never considered among the top manufacturers of televisions

second-rate goods specifically manufactured for the low end of the market

Recent Examples on the Web

Sometime in the late 18th century, though, offal started suffering from an image problem, viewed by some people to be an affordable but second-rate food. —Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025

Aside from the weather, hourlong wait times for food, defective wristbands and second-rate VIP experiences were among the complaints from festivalgoers. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2025

The occasion: a second-rate literary award ceremony. —Dwight Garner, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025

It must be acknowledged and accepted that educators are the experts in their profession and not second-rate. —Patricia A. Daniel, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for second-rate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

second-rate

adjective

sec·​ond-rate

ˌsek-ən-ˈ(d)rāt

: of second or ordinary quality or value : mediocre