second-class
adjective
(also second class) uk/ˌsekəndˈklɑːs/ us TRANSPORT
relating to the normal level of service offered, especially on a train:
She was sitting in one of the second-class compartments.
second-class fares/tickets/travel
COMMUNICATIONS
in the UK, relating to a less expensive service for sending mail which is slower than first-class:
a second-class delivery/letter/stamp
second-class post/mail
COMMUNICATIONS
in the US, relating to the mail service used for sending magazines and newspapers
used to describe a degree from a UK university that is good but not of the highest possible standard:
The successful candidate must have a first or second class honours degree.
considered less important or of a lower quality than something or someone else:
Vocational education does not in any way mean second-class education.
It is appalling that older people are treated as second-class citizens.
Compare
first class
business class
economy class
second-class
adverb
(also second class) ukus TRANSPORT
using the normal level of service offered:
She shops around for bargains and travels second class.
COMMUNICATIONS
using the slower, less expensive service for sending mail:
The parcel was sent second class.
Compare
first class
second-class
noun [ U ]
(also second class) ukus TRANSPORT
the normal seats, service, etc., especially on a train:
He was sitting in second class.
COMMUNICATIONS
the slower, less expensive service for sending mail:
We use second class for this type of mailing.
Compare
first class