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

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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

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adverb

1. in a low or lowly manner

Other Word Forms

• lowlily adverb
• lowliness noun
• unlowly adjective

Etymology

Origin of lowly

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

Example Sentences

It’s why there’s intrigue with the lowly Giants, where rookie Jaxson Dart gave an otherwise miserable franchise a flash of promise.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Rams went into Saturday’s game as 10½-point favorites over a Panthers team that won the lowly NFC South with an 8-9 record.

From Los Angeles Times

If Frank can survive until next weekend, another loss at home to lowly West Ham would surely bring an end to his disastrous reign.

From Barron's

Top 14 leaders Toulouse were stunned 30-27 by lowly Perpignan on Saturday as the hosts moved off the foot of the table with just their second victory of the season.

From Barron's

Newcastle secured just a second away league win of the season but were made to sweat after a dream start to beat lowly Burnley 3-1.

From Barron's

Related Words

• humble