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second-rate

[sek-uhnd-rayt] / ˈsɛk əndˈreɪt /


ADJECTIVE
inadequate
Synonyms
Antonyms


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.

See Examples For:

“I could send this out and I know what the response would be: ‘This is second-rate Schrader,’ ” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026

They also require the world to shower prizes on them for their bumbling, second-rate work.

From Salon ● Jan. 14, 2026

China’s most famous AI export has already shown that it can close that gap with second-rate hardware.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 9, 2025

In the span of just a few months, Google has fought off concerns that AI would kill its Search business and has transformed Gemini from a second-rate chatbot into a serious competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 22, 2025

He feels that he is a first-rate dog and has no wish to be a second-rate human.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck


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