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Definitions

lowly

[loh-lee] / ˈloʊ li /
ADJECTIVE
inferior, plain
Synonyms
STRONGEST
humble
WEAK
average base baseborn cast down common commonplace docile dutiful everyday gentle ignoble low lowborn mean meek menial mild modest mundane obscure obsequious ordinary plebeian poor proletarian prosaic retiring reverential servile simple submissive subordinate unassuming unpretentious withdrawing
Antonyms
WEAK
higher lofty noble pretentious superior

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.

After the Mavericks, they’ll have tough games against Oklahoma City, Golden State and Phoenix before finishing against lowly Utah on April 12.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

The rap legend is a lowly third, behind Bruno Mars.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

Elsewhere the Oklahoma City Thunder stormed back from the NBA All-Star Game break with a 105-86 win over the lowly Brooklyn Nets, consolidating their lead at the top of the Western Conference.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

US two-time world champion Malinin, whom Shaidorov said "means a lot to figure skating", finished a lowly eighth after a shocking performance in the free skate.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

Oddly enough, one of the most easily overlooked disambiguating words in English is the most frequent word in the language: the lowly definite article the.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker