Low Lower Ləʊ High Usual Extra Examples Level

• a low wall/building/table
• the fence is too low.
• a low range of hills
• low clouds

low

1. not high or tall; not far above the ground
• OPPOSITE high
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/high_2
• a low wall/building/table
• The fence is too low.
• a low range of hills
• low clouds
• flying at low altitude
• The sun was low in the sky.
2. at or near the bottom of something
• OPPOSITE high
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/high_2
• low back pain
• the lower slopes of the mountain
• temperatures in the low 20s (= no higher than 21–23°)
3. not high at the neck
• SEE ALSO low-cut
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/low-cut
• a dress with a low neckline

Extra Examples

• The neckline was much lower than she was used to.
• The dress had a V-neck and a very low back.
• tight sweaters and low-neck shirts
4. below the usual or average amount, level or value
• OPPOSITE high
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/high_2
• a low level of unemployment
• lower prices/costs
• the lowest rates of interest for 40 years
• the lowest temperature ever recorded
• low-income families
• a low-cost airline
• low-tar cigarettes
• There is a low risk of failure.
• Incomes are significantly lower than in other parts of the country.
• areas with relatively low unemployment
• This yogurt is very low in fat.

Extra Examples

• The failure rate is extremely low.
• The government wants to keep taxes low.
• historically low marriage statistics
• Their ready meals are low in sugar and salt.
5. below the usual water level
• The reservoir was low after the long drought.
6. having a reduced amount or not enough of something
• Our supplies are running low (= we only have a little left).
• Our stocks of food were getting low.
• A warning light flashes when the battery is low.
• They were low on fuel.
7. below the usual or expected standard
• OPPOSITE high
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/high_2
• Students with the lowest scores retook the test.
• low marks/grades
• a low standard of living

Extra Examples

• Much of the work was of a very low standard.
• These measures will lead to a lower quality of life for many older people.
8. below other people or things in importance or status
• OPPOSITE high
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/high_2
• lower forms of life (= creatures with a very simple structure)
• jobs with low status
• Training was given a very low priority.
• the lower classes of society
9. not very good
• SYNONYM poor
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/poor
• She has a very low opinion of her own abilities.
10. not high; not loud
• OPPOSITE high
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/high_2
• The cello is lower than the violin.
• They were speaking in low voices.
• Keep your voice low.
11. weak or depressed; with very little energy
• SYNONYM down
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/down_5
• I'm feeling really low.
• They were in low spirits.
• I think he got a bit low when he had the flu.
12. not honest
• SYNONYM disreputable
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/disreputable
• He mixes with some pretty low types.
13. not bright
• SYNONYM dim
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/dim_2
• The lights were low and romance was in the air.
14. if a vehicle is in low gear, it travels at a slower speed in relation to the speed of the engine
15. produced by opening the mouth wide
16. in a poor state; worse than usual
• Morale among teachers is at a low ebb.
17. to lose your wealth or your high position in society
18. the amount of attention somebody/something has from the public
• This issue has had a high profile in recent months.
• I advised her to keep a low profile for the next few days (= not to attract attention).
• The story was given a low profile in today's papers.
19. if somebody is laid low by/with an injury or illness, they feel very weak and are unable to do much
20. people who are not respected at all because they are not honest, moral or important at all

Word Origin

• adjective Middle English: from Old Norse lágr, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch laag, also to lie.