Second-Rate
/ˌsɛk.ənd ˈreɪt/noun
Of inferior quality or lower importance.
Did you know?The “rate” in second-rate comes from the idea of being ranked or assessed, ultimately tied to Latin *ratus* (“fixed, settled, calculated”), so the insult is literally about being officially counted as lesser.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
ratus
“fixed, settled, calculated”
Medieval Latin
Latin
rata
“a fixed assessment or proportion”
Middle English
English
rate
“a valuation, fixed charge, or assessment”
17th Century
English
second-rate
“ranked in the second class; inferior in quality or status”
Modern English
English
second-rate
“of lower quality or importance”