Synonyms of second-class

second-class

adjective

ˈse-kən(d)-ˈklas 

1

as in inferior

of little or less value or merit

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inferior
• minor
• mean
• smaller
• secondary
• second-rate
• ordinary
• lesser
• lower
• petty
• subordinate
• low-level
• junior
• average
• inadequate
• under
• defective
• unsatisfactory
• unacceptable
• insufficient
• common
• wrong
• middling
• deficient
• bad
• amiss
• fair
• littler
• low-rent
• one-horse
• small-time
• slighter
• two-bit
• jerkwater

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• higher
• greater
• superior
• more
• major
• senior
• primary
• first-class
• prime
• exceptional
• adequate
• sufficient
• acceptable
• select
• choice
• premium
• first-rate
• high-grade
• selected

2

as in decent

of average to below average quality

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decent
• ordinary
• satisfactory
• medium
• mediocre
• middling
• second-rate
• indifferent
• common
• passable
• run-of-the-mill
• fair
• adequate
• acceptable
• respectable
• so-so
• run-of-the-mine
• reasonable
• nice
• sufficient
• modest
• good
• tolerable
• fine
• all right
• moderate
• OK
• minimal
• presentable
• alright
• unexceptional
• sufficing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• first-class
• special
• superior
• excellent
• outstanding
• great
• maximum
• distinguished
• optimal
• prime
• exceptional
• supreme
• top
• splendid
• optimum
• classic
• superb
• superlative
• exquisite
• terrific
• marvelous
• stellar
• grand
• par excellence
• fantastic
• sterling
• choice
• sensational
• peerless
• fabulous
• capital
• A1
• preeminent
• swell
• number one
• nifty
• first-rate
• top-notch
• unparalleled
• matchless
• unmatched
• inadequate
• unsurpassed
• tip-top
• unsatisfactory
• unacceptable
• insufficient
• lacking
• deficient
• wanting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of second-class

Throughout history, toxic males in many cultures have worked hard to limit women’s options, control their behavior and treat them as second-class human beings. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026

Ali refused to fight in the Vietnam War for a country that treated Black people as second-class citizens. — Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 4 June 2026

Today, the resident commissioner is a second-class lawmaker. — Austin Bussing, The Conversation, 4 June 2026

Other personnel issues include changing the number of first-class patrol officers from 29 to 32 and the number of second-class patrol officers from six to two. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026