third-rate

adjective

ˈthərd-ˈrāt How to pronounce third-rate (audio)
: extremely low in quality or value : worse than second-rate
third-rate hotels
a third-rate novelist
third-rater
ˈthərd-ˈrā-tər How to pronounce third-rate (audio)
noun

Examples of third-rate in a Sentence

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.
By now, not even third-rate circuses would hire me, much less an outfit like Hep Spyder’s, the World’s Famous Bushwick Circus. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 That is why Amanda is a true star and the rest of these ladies are just projections in a third-rate planetarium. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 Trump doesn’t understand that Iran doesn’t see itself as a third-rate power. — John M. Crisp, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 CVTs are third-rate and do not belong in any vehicle ever. — Ed Sokalski, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for third-rate

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of third-rate was in 1814

Rhymes for third-rate

See All Rhymes for third-rate

Browse Nearby Words

third rail
third-rate
third-rater
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Third-rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third-rate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

third-rate

adjective
ˈthər-ˈdrāt
: of third quality or value
especially : worse than second-rate
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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