: extremely low in quality or value : worse than second-rate
third-rate hotels
a third-rate novelist

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.
Still, this third-rate crook is remembered today, in books, comics, film, and music. Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2025 And not by funneling taxpayer funds to elite private schools or third-rate for-profit universities regulated with all the strength of a friendship bracelet, but through public provision. Ryann Liebenthal, Harper's Magazine, 2 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Third-rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third-rate. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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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