third-rate
Americanadjective
-
of the third rate, quality, or class.
-
distinctly inferior.
a third-rate performance.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- third-rater noun
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.
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
With Doug Sahm, Augie Meyers and fellow Tejano chingón Freddy Fender, Jiménez formed the Texas Tornadoes, whose oeuvre blasts at every third-rate barbecue joint from the Texas Hill Country to Southern California.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025
Nearly all season the Blues have walked over their opposition in Uefa's third-rate tournament, but they were really tested by Real Betis in Wroclaw, especially in the first half.
From BBC • May 28, 2025
"I kind of ditched them. I started listening to what A&R or the record labels felt they had slots for. I was called a third-rate Pat Benatar. I was probably a fifth-rate Pat Benatar."
From Salon • Mar. 28, 2025
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.
