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.
Less common symptoms include low-grade fever and vomiting, according to the CDC. — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026 Some doctors say these low-grade cases shouldn’t even be called cancer. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026 Add the hour of scrolling, the rumination on a relationship that isn’t working, and (maybe the costliest line item of all) the constant, low-grade worry about what other people think. — Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Any remaining nutrient-rich liquid from the digestion process, called digestate, will also be processed into low-grade liquid fertilizer. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 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

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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 11 Aug. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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