third-rate

1 of 2

adjective

ˈthərd-ˈrāt 

: extremely low in quality or value : worse than second-rate

third-rate hotels

a third-rate novelist

third-rater

ˈthərd-ˈrā-tər 

noun

third-rater

2 of 2

noun

third-rat·​er

-ātə-

: one that is third-rate

Examples of third-rate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

That is why Amanda is a true star and the rest of these ladies are just projections in a third-rate planetarium. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026

Trump doesn’t understand that Iran doesn’t see itself as a third-rate power. — John M. Crisp, Mercury News, 25 June 2026

CVTs are third-rate and do not belong in any vehicle ever. — Ed Sokalski, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026

This saves him the embarrassment of shows with third-rate performers and lots of empty seats. — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 2 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1814, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for third-rate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

third-rate

adjective

ˈthər-ˈdrāt

: of third quality or value

especially : worse than second-rate