second-rater
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person considered to be of inferior quality, ability, or importance; someone who is not first-rate or outstanding.
Usage
The term "second-rater" is used to describe a person whose skills, talents, or overall value are judged to be mediocre or below the best standard. It carries a critical or dismissive tone.
Examples
- The critic dismissed the new artist as a mere second-rater with nothing original to say.
- He refused to hire second-raters for his team, insisting on only the most talented individuals.
- The manager was accused of promoting second-raters who were loyal rather than competent.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in comparative or competitive contexts (e.g., arts, sports, business) to distinguish the exceptional from the average.
- It can be part of a compound noun phrase, such as "aging second-raters" or "a team of second-raters," to emphasize a collective lack of top-tier quality.
Variants and Related Words
- Second-rate (adjective): Of mediocre or inferior quality.
- The hotel was comfortable but decidedly second-rate.
- Mediocrity (noun): The quality of being average or not very good; a person who is not very good at something.
- The film was an exercise in mediocrity.
Synonyms
- Mediocrity
- Lightweight
- Nonentity
- Underachiever
Antonyms
- First-rater
- Star
- Ace
- Virtuoso
Idioms and Phrases
- To be a second-rater: To be considered of inferior ability.
- In a field of geniuses, he feared he would always be seen as a second-rater.
Noun
- a person of second-rate ability or value
- a team of aging second-raters
- shone among the mediocrities who surrounded him