underclassman

[ uhn-der-klas-muhn, -klahs- ]

noun

, plural un·der·class·men.

1. a freshman or sophomore in a secondary school or college.

Word History and Origins

Origin of underclassman¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; under- + class + -man

Example Sentences

Underclassmen had significant roles in the secondary, and all those players are back.

From Washington Post

All of that increased attention, however, brought some of the WNBA’s policies into question as underclassmen such as Connecticut’s Paige Bueckers and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark dominated headlines.

From Washington Post

While seniors have two months left in the school year to find an opportunity, many underclassmen are already scrambling to find their footing in an increasingly competitive scene.

From Washington Post

The unit showed significant improvement in 2020 while relying on multiple underclassman starters.

From Washington Post

The coach said the “cupboard is not bare” as five starters from the Army game will return, as will fullback Jamale Carothers and other underclassmen expected to take a step forward.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• freshman
• junior
• senior
• sophomore
• student