Second-class — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈse-kən(d)-ˈklas/ sec·ond-class

Meaning & Definition of Second-class

Second-class (adjective)

  1. of or relating to a second class
  2. mediocre; also, socially, politically, or economically deprived

Second-class (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. of little or less value or merit

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

    similar: inferior, mean, minor, second-rate, secondary
    related: junior, lesser, lower, low-level, petty, smaller, subordinate, under, average, common, fair, middling, ordinary, amiss, bad, defective, unsatisfactory, wrong, deficient, inadequate, insufficient, unacceptable, littler, slighter, jerkwater, low-rent, one-horse, small-time, two-bit
    opposite: greater, higher, superior
    near: major, more, primary, senior, choice, exceptional, first-class, first-rate, high-grade, premium, prime, select, selected, acceptable, adequate, sufficient

  2. of average to below average quality

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

    similar: common, fair, indifferent, mediocre, medium, middling, ordinary, passable, run-of-the-mill, run-of-the-mine, second-rate, so-so
    related: acceptable, adequate, all right, alright, decent, OK, reasonable, satisfactory, sufficient, sufficing, tolerable, moderate, modest, presentable, respectable, minimal, unexceptional, fine, good, nice
    near: A1, capital, choice, classic, distinguished, excellent, exceptional, exquisite, fabulous, fantastic, first-class, first-rate, grand, great, marvelous, matchless, maximum, nifty, number one, optimal, optimum, outstanding, par excellence, peerless, preeminent, prime, sensational, special, splendid, stellar, sterling, superb, superior, superlative, supreme, swell, terrific, tip-top, top, top-notch, unmatched, unparalleled, unsurpassed, deficient, inadequate, insufficient, lacking, unacceptable, unsatisfactory, wanting

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Second-class

The most common words with a similar meaning to Second-class:

inferior, mean, minor, second-rate, secondary, common, fair, indifferent, mediocre, medium, middling, ordinary, passable, run-of-the-mill, run-of-the-mine, so-so

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Second-class

Words with the opposite meaning of Second-class:

greater, higher, superior

Related Words for Second-class

junior, lesser, lower, low-level, petty, smaller, subordinate, under, average, amiss, bad, defective, unsatisfactory, wrong, deficient, inadequate, insufficient, unacceptable, littler, slighter, jerkwater, low-rent, one-horse, small-time, two-bit, acceptable, adequate, all right, alright, decent

Near Antonyms of Second-class

major, more, primary, senior, choice, exceptional, first-class, first-rate, high-grade, premium, prime, select, selected, acceptable, adequate, sufficient, A1, capital, classic, distinguished, excellent, exquisite, fabulous, fantastic, grand, great, marvelous, matchless, maximum, nifty

Origin & Etymology of Second-class

First known use: circa 1838

Words & Phrases Containing Second-class

second-class citizen

Frequently Asked Questions about Second-class

What does "Second-class" mean?

"Second-class" means of or relating to a second class. As an adjective, it is defined as: of or relating to a second class. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Second-class"?

Other words for "Second-class" include inferior, mean, minor, second-rate, secondary, common, fair and indifferent. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Second-class" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Second-class"?

There are 61 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Second-class". Common alternatives include inferior, mean, minor, second-rate, secondary, common, fair, indifferent, mediocre and medium.

What is the opposite of "Second-class"?

Antonyms of "Second-class" include greater, higher and superior. Near antonyms include major, more, primary and senior.

How do you use "Second-class" in a sentence?

Examples of "Second-class" in a sentence: "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".

Is "Second-class" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Second-class" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Second-class"?

"Second-class" is pronounced /ˈse-kən(d)-ˈklas/ and divided into syllables as sec·ond-class.

What is the origin of the word "Second-class"?

First known use: circa 1838.