low-grade

adjective

ˈlō-ˈgrād How to pronounce low-grade (audio)
Synonyms of low-gradenext
1
: of inferior grade or quality
2
: being near that extreme of a specified range which is lowest, least intense, least serious, or least competent
a low-grade fever
a low-grade infection

Synonyms of low-grade

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Examples of low-grade in a Sentence

plumbing fixtures that were made out of low-grade materials
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Without starters Paolo Banchero (right low-grade high ankle sprain) and Jalen Suggs (right knee mild bone bruise), much of Toronto’s defensive attention went toward Franz Wagner, who turned the ball over seven times in the first half alone. — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Those visual gags feel like an odd fit for the material; Ishiguro is known more for low-grade existential sadness than slapstick. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026 And your central argument is that although most of the world may hope that the war between Iran and the United States will end soon, the low-grade conflict the two sides have been having for months is sustainable and likely to endure. — Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026 These simple devices convert low-grade waste heat into electricity. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for low-grade

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of low-grade was in 1877

Rhymes for low-grade

See All Rhymes for low-grade

Browse Nearby Words

Low German
low-grade
low ground
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Low-grade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/low-grade. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

low-grade

adjective
ˈlō-ˈgrād
1
: of poor grade or quality
2
: being near that end of a range which is lowest, weakest, or least able
a low-grade fever

Medical Definition

low-grade

adjective
ˈlō-ˈgrād How to pronounce low-grade (audio)
: being near that extreme of a specified range which is lowest, least intense, or least competent
a low-grade fever
a low-grade infection
compare high-grade
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