third-rate
Americanadjective
-
of the third rate, quality, or class.
-
distinctly inferior.
a third-rate performance.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of third-rate
First recorded in 1640–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Of course this war “took place” for the people of Iran, Lebanon and various other places; for Americans, it was more like a third-rate alternate-history streaming series that was rapidly canceled.
From Salon ● Jun. 21, 2026
For investors, the narrow decision sets up a potential third-rate rise this year at the RBA’s next board meeting in May.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 20, 2026
It was third-rate stuff, with apologies to third-rate.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2025
It’s tough being so rich you can outspend anyone, but not so rich you can afford to buy a third-rate social network without a little help.
From Slate ● Oct. 10, 2023
Did we really think that little Mica, undefeated in its own third-rate league, could ever stand up to the big-city powerhouses around the state?
From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
