THIRD-RATE

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does third-rate mean? 

• THIRD-RATE (adjective)
  The adjective THIRD-RATE has 1 sense:

1. of lesser quality than second-rate

  Familiarity information: THIRD-RATE used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• THIRD-RATE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of lesser quality than second-rate

Similar:

inferior (of low or inferior quality)

 Context examples 

She had had many a hint from Mr. Knightley and some from her own heart, as to her deficiency—but none were equal to counteract the persuasion of its being very disagreeable,—a waste of time—tiresome women—and all the horror of being in danger of falling in with the second-rate and third-rate of Highbury, who were calling on them for ever, and therefore she seldom went near them.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)