lower class

¹

[loh-er]

noun

1. a class of people below the middle class, having the lowest social rank or standing due to low income, lack of skills or education, and the like.

2. (broadly) working class.

lower-class

²

[loh-er-klas, -klahs]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the lower class.

   lower-class values.

lower class

noun

1. the social stratum having the lowest position in the social hierarchy Compare middle class upper class working class

adjective

1. of or relating to the lower class

2. inferior or vulgar

Word History and Origins

Origin of lower class¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Origin of lower class²

First recorded in 1890–95

Related Words

• proletariat 
• working class