third-rate

[ thurd-reyt ]

/ ˈθɜrdˈreɪt /

of the third rate, quality, or class.

distinctly inferior: a third-rate performance.

Origin of third-rate

First recorded in 1640–50

third-rat·er, noun

In the past, it has actually helped the cause of freedom that politics is mostly a pursuit for third-rate talents.

Can We Divorce Our Elites? |James Poulos |April 13, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
First-rate and third-rate works of the same size brought similar prices.

Brave New Art World |Arne Glimcher |February 2, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
Go on with the dolly dialogue or I'll punch your head, you third-rate best seller!

The Gay Rebellion |Robert W. Chambers
The compound was scarcely inviting, and resembled a third-rate haggis.

South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. IV (of 6) |Louis Creswicke

Young Burkitt, the architect, had seen him coming out of a third-rate restaurant, looking terribly down in the mouth!

The Forsyte Saga, Complete |John Galsworthy
As thus: Mr. Balfour had spoken of the people who denounced Dublin Castle as "third-rate politicians."

Sketches In The House (1893) |T. P. O'Connor
It is mocked, derided, by a number of lawyers' clerks and nonentities from third-rate Irish towns.

Ireland as It Is |Robert John Buckley (AKA R.J.B.)

third-rate

not of high quality; mediocre or inferior

third-rater, noun