low-grade

American  

[loh-greyd] / ˈloʊˈgreɪd /

adjective

1. of an inferior quality, worth, value, etc..

   The mine yields low-grade silver ore.

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Etymology

Origin of low-grade

First recorded in 1875–80; low ¹ + grade

Example Sentences

Acetaminophen is the main ingredient in Tylenol and many store-brand pain relievers used for mild to moderate pain and low-grade fever.

From Science Daily

The low-grade layer—which the previous owners hit and deemed unworthy of mining—was the type of primary sulfide ore Rio seeks to unlock with Nuton.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many locals want the land back that was expropriated by PPC years ago to mine the low-grade brown coal so they can farm it again.

From Barron's

But the terminally dissatisfied Carol would rather stew in her own low-grade depression and angst that forfeit her free will.

From Los Angeles Times

Now it restarting, helped by microbes that remove copper from low-grade ores.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• substandard