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

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

After years of being considered second-rate properties, both are back on the upswing thanks to the 2022 Hulu hit Prey and last year’s Alien: Romulus. —Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025

Florence Pugh leads a new ragtag group of second-rate heroes that includes David Harbour’s Red Guardian and Wyatt Russell’s John Walker. —Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 11 July 2025

His appearance in Meghan’s [‘Baby Mama Dance’] video looked so second-rate. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025

No one wants polluted air and water, but no American wants to live in a second-rate nation. —Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 4 July 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