second-class

[ sek-uh nd-klas, -klahs ]

/ ˈsɛk əndˈklæs, -ˈklɑs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR second-class ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

of a secondary class or quality.

second-rate; inferior.

adverb

by second-class mail or passenger accommodations: to travel second-class.

Nearby words

Origin of second-class

First recorded in 1830–40

Definition for second-class (2 of 2)

second class

noun

the class of travel accommodations, as on a train, that are less costly and luxurious than first class but are more costly and luxurious than third class.Compare cabin class.

(in the U.S. Postal Service) the class of mail consisting of newspapers and periodicals not sealed against postal inspection.

the second of three honors degrees conferred by a British university.

Origin of second class

First recorded in 1830–40

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for second-class

Women are still treated like second-class citizens in many ways.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Why He’s Exploring the Word ‘Feminism’ and Online Misogyny|Marlow Stern|September 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Unless they do,” she says, “victims of violence by NFL players will continue to be treated as second-class citizens.
Gloria Allred Sacks the NFL, Suing Another Player for Domestic Abuse|Samantha Allen|September 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Still, this is what trans people live with: being treated as second-class citizens, even by others in the “LGBT community.”
RuPaul’s ‘She-Mail’ Exits Drag Race|Parker Molloy|April 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They do it because they want women to be submissive, second-class citizen.
Harassment Of Women Is Nothing New—The Internet Just Makes It Easier|Amanda Marcotte|January 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

But in this theater, they are still only second-class citizens, waiting in the aisles of history.
Palestinians Cast a U.N. Vote, Move Closer to State Recognition|Matt Surrusco|November 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Foochow, the capital of Fukien Province, ranks third among our second-class seaports.
The International Development of China|Sun Yat-sen
Even a second-class man should do better at home in the long-run, though for immediate results there is no place like Australia.
Town Life in Australia|R. E. N. (Richard) Twopeny
I am only a tenderfoot now, hoping to be a second-class Scout before summer.
The Girl Scouts' Good Turn|Edith Lavell
So he had had with him just enough to get his own second-class ticket, her first-class, and a sleeping-car.
Lady Rose's Daughter|Mrs. Humphry Ward
The bespangled dignity of the second-class and first-class scout, these things he had known and outgrown.
Tom Slade on Mystery Trail|Percy Keese Fitzhugh

British Dictionary definitions for second-class

second class

noun

the class or grade next in value, quality, etc, to the first

adjective

of the class or grade next to the best in quality, etc

shoddy or inferior

of or denoting the class of accommodation in a hotel or on a train, etc, lower in quality and price than first class

(in Britain) of or relating to mail that is processed more slowly than first-class mail
(in the US and Canada) of or relating to mail that consists mainly of newspapers, etc

education See second 1 (def. 10)

adverb

by second-class mail, transport, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for second-class

second-class

adj.

1833, from noun phrase (1810), from second (adj.) + class (n.). Phrase second-class citizen is recorded from 1942.

The Negro recognizes that he is a second-class citizen and that status is fraught with violent potentialities, particularly today when he is living up to the full responsibilities of citizenship on the field of battle. [Louis E. Martin, "To Be or Not to Be a Liberal," in "The Crisis," September 1942]

Idioms and Phrases with second-class

second class

Inferior; see second best.

Travel accommodations ranking below the highest or first class, as in Traveling second class on European trains is not only cheaper but gives you more contact with local people. [c. 1840]

In the United States and Canada, a category of mail consisting of periodicals and newspapers. [c. 1870]

second-class citizen. An individual regarded or treated as inferior to others in status or rights, an underprivileged person. For example, In many countries women still are considered second-class citizens. This term uses second class in the sense of “inferior.” [c. 1940]

second-class

adjective

adverb

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of second-class

Definition for second-class (2 of 2)

second class

noun

Origin of second class

Examples from the Web for second-class

British Dictionary definitions for second-class

second class

noun

adjective

adverb

Word Origin and History for second-class

second-class

Idioms and Phrases with second-class

second class