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Definitions

lowly

[loh-lee] / ˈloʊ li /
ADJECTIVE
inferior, plain
Synonyms
STRONGEST
humble
WEAK
average base baseborn cast down common commonplace docile dutiful everyday gentle ignoble low lowborn mean meek menial mild modest mundane obscure obsequious ordinary plebeian poor proletarian prosaic retiring reverential servile simple submissive subordinate unassuming unpretentious withdrawing
Antonyms
WEAK
higher lofty noble pretentious superior

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One lowly bacterium possesses a flagellum—a tiny tail or rotor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

About 10% fall to the lowly one-star category.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

After the Mavericks, they’ll have tough games against Oklahoma City, Golden State and Phoenix before finishing against lowly Utah on April 12.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

The rap legend is a lowly third, behind Bruno Mars.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

One accepted the good or the evil with humility, for life was a mystery, and questions were not for the lowly.

From "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt