low-grade
[
loh
-
greyd
]
/ˈloʊˈgreɪd/
adjective
1.
of an inferior quality, worth, value, etc.:
The mine yields low-grade silver ore.
Origin
1875-80;
low
1
+
grade
Word Origin and History for
low-grade
adj.
1867, originally in mining, with reference to ores, from
low
(adj.) +
grade
(n.).