Second-rate
adjective
Not the best quality; not as good as others.
The hotel we stayed in was really second-rate
Often appears as...
- second-rate service
- second-rate performance
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Not the best quality; not as good as others.
The hotel we stayed in was really second-rate
Often appears as...
- second-rate service
- second-rate performance
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Quality Comparison
Use 'second-rate' to suggest something is less quality compared to available better options.
Despite his efforts, the painter's work was considered second-rate.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Disparagement
'Second-rate' often implies a mild criticism or a lack of excellence.
Her performance was criticized as second-rate by the judges.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Negative
Sometimes used in a neutral context, just to differentiate from the top-tier.
For a budget holiday, expect to find some second-rate excursions.
Pro Tip 1/3Quality Comparison
Use 'second-rate' to suggest something is less quality compared to available better options.
Despite his efforts, the painter's work was considered second-rate.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Disparagement
'Second-rate' often implies a mild criticism or a lack of excellence.
Her performance was criticized as second-rate by the judges.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Negative
Sometimes used in a neutral context, just to differentiate from the top-tier.
For a budget holiday, expect to find some second-rate excursions.
Pro Tip 1/3Quality Comparison
Use 'second-rate' to suggest something is less quality compared to available better options.
Despite his efforts, the painter's work was considered second-rate.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Disparagement
'Second-rate' often implies a mild criticism or a lack of excellence.
Her performance was criticized as second-rate by the judges.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Negative
Sometimes used in a neutral context, just to differentiate from the top-tier.
For a budget holiday, expect to find some second-rate excursions.
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Video examples
Love, no matter what PIPE...
It is a pathetic little second-rate substitute for reality -- a pitiable flight from life. As such, it deserves no compassion, it deserves no treatment as minority martyrdom,
Video examples
Love, no matter what PIPE...
It is a pathetic little second-rate substitute for reality -- a pitiable flight from life. As such, it deserves no compassion, it deserves no treatment as minority martyrdom,
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Tyler Oakley
American Entertainer
There are so many voices on YouTube, and there are incredible creators that are popular for a reason. And although it's great to be inspired by them, nobody is going to subscribe to a second-rate version of them. It's really important to put your best foot forward and be your best self because you will always be the number one version of you.
Quote examples
John Boyne
Irish Novelist
I hope for so much from every book I read. And time and again, I find myself disappointed. I look across my bookshelves and see hundreds of titles which in my memory seem merely mediocre or second-rate. Only occasionally does a novel appear for which I feel a lasting passion, a book that I think could in time become a classic.
Quote examples
G. H. Hardy
British Mathematician
There is no scorn more profound, or on the whole more justifiable, than that of the men who make for the men who explain. Exposition, criticism, appreciation, is work for second-rate minds.
Quote examples
Harry Kroto
English Scientist
If doing something with second-rate effort satisfies you, find something else to do - where only your best effort will satisfy you personally.
Quote examples
Judy Garland
American Actress
Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.
Quote examples
Andrew Ross Sorkin
American Journalist
In truth, the best Bitcoin can hope for is to be a second-rate version of gold, if that.
Quote examples
Richard Strauss
German Composer
I may not be a first-rate composer, but I am a first-class second-rate composer.
Quote examples
Abraham Maslow
American Psychologist
A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting.
Quote examples
Jean de la Bruyere
French Philosopher
One mark of a second-rate mind is to be always telling stories.
Quote examples
Bruce Oldfield
English Designer
Never cut corners, or accept anything that's second-rate.
Quote examples
Tyler Oakley
American Entertainer
There are so many voices on YouTube, and there are incredible creators that are popular for a reason. And although it's great to be inspired by them, nobody is going to subscribe to a second-rate version of them. It's really important to put your best foot forward and be your best self because you will always be the number one version of you.
Quote examples
John Boyne
Irish Novelist
I hope for so much from every book I read. And time and again, I find myself disappointed. I look across my bookshelves and see hundreds of titles which in my memory seem merely mediocre or second-rate. Only occasionally does a novel appear for which I feel a lasting passion, a book that I think could in time become a classic.
Quote examples
G. H. Hardy
British Mathematician
There is no scorn more profound, or on the whole more justifiable, than that of the men who make for the men who explain. Exposition, criticism, appreciation, is work for second-rate minds.
Quote examples
Harry Kroto
English Scientist
If doing something with second-rate effort satisfies you, find something else to do - where only your best effort will satisfy you personally.
Quote examples
Judy Garland
American Actress
Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.
Quote examples
Andrew Ross Sorkin
American Journalist
In truth, the best Bitcoin can hope for is to be a second-rate version of gold, if that.
Quote examples
Richard Strauss
German Composer
I may not be a first-rate composer, but I am a first-class second-rate composer.
Quote examples
Abraham Maslow
American Psychologist
A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting.
Quote examples
Jean de la Bruyere
French Philosopher
One mark of a second-rate mind is to be always telling stories.
Quote examples
Bruce Oldfield
English Designer
Never cut corners, or accept anything that's second-rate.
Example 1 of 10
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