lowly

[loh-lee]

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

/ 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
• lowlily adverb
• unlowly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lowly¹

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

Example Sentences

And when they fell to 1-5 this season after a loss to the lowly Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, the team’s brass had seen enough.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Just two weeks later, after a win over the lowly Browns, the Ravens gave away another second half lead, this time to the Detroit Lions.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The main focus of the grand prix will be on what the McLarens can do from their lowly starting positions.

Read more on BBC

The Dodgers sweep the lowly Colorado Rockies to stretch their National League West lead to three games.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Solo Leveling - which charts a lowly monster hunter's rise to power - is a classic tale of the triumph of an underdog.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• humble