lowly

American  

[loh-lee] / ˈloʊ li /

adjective

lowlier, lowliest

1. humble in station, condition, or nature.

   a lowly cottage.

2. low in growth or position.

3. humble in attitude, behavior, or spirit; meek.

   Synonyms:

   unpretentious, simple, modest

---

adverb

1. in a low position, manner, or degree.

   a lowly placed shelf.

2. in a lowly manner; humbly.

3. in a quiet voice; softly.

   to converse lowly.

lowly British  

/ ˈləʊlɪ /

adjective

1. humble or low in position, rank, status, etc

2. full of humility; meek

3. simple, unpretentious, or plain

---

adverb

1. in a low or lowly manner

Other Word Forms

• lowliness
  noun
• unlowly
  adjective
• lowlily
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of lowly

A Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at low ¹, -ly

Explanation

Lowly things aren't considered to be important or impressive. Your lowly position on a sports team might make you best suited to carry all of the players' equipment. When a person is described as lowly, the world often refers to their job or social class. A lowly janitor might not get as much respect as the CEO of a huge company, even if she's a kinder person. A lowly member of an AAA baseball team might only dream about joining the major leagues. The adjective lowly has been around since the 14th century, from low, "not high," and also "humble in rank."

Example Sentences

It’s unheard of for Cabinet members or the vice president to take such a lowly job.

From Salon • Jun. 12, 2026

The ultraviolent 1991 film was directed by her former husband Renny Harlin and co-starred Samuel L. Jackson as a lowly private investigator.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

One lowly bacterium possesses a flagellum—a tiny tail or rotor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The rap legend is a lowly third, behind Bruno Mars.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

I don’t think he’s lowly, but I say, “I know, right?”

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Related Words

• humble