- 1not high or tall; not far above the ground a low wall/building/table a low range of hills low clouds flying at low altitude The sun was low in the sky. opposite high near bottom
- 2at or near the bottom of something lower back pain the lower slopes of the mountain temperatures in the low 60s (= no higher than 61–63°) opposite high
- 3not high at the neck a dress with a low neckline see low-cut level/value
- 4low- (often in compounds) below the usual or average amount, level, or value low prices low-income families a low-cost airline the lowest temperature ever recorded a low level of unemployment Yogurt is usually very low in fat. low-fat yogurt low-tar cigarettes opposite high
- 5having a reduced amount or not enough of something The reservoir was low after the long drought. Our supplies are running low (= we only have a little left). They were low on fuel. sound
- 6not high; not loud The cello is lower than the violin. They were speaking in low voices. opposite high standard
- 7below the usual or expected standard students with low grades on their exams a low standard of living opposite high
- 8below other people or things in importance or status low 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 opposite high depressed
- 9weak or depressed; with very little energy synonym down I'm feeling really low. They were in low spirits. opinion
- 10[usually before noun] not very good synonym poor She has a very low opinion of her own abilities. opposite high not honest
- 11(of a person) not honest synonym disreputable He mixes with some pretty low types. light
- 12not bright synonym dim The lights were low and romance was in the air.
- 13if a vehicle is in low gear, it travels at a slower speed in relation to the speed of the engine phonetics
- 14(phonetics) = open Idioms
not high/tall
in a poor state; worse than usual Morale among teachers is at a low ebb.
to lose your wealth or your high position in society
the amount of attention someone or 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).
if someone is laid low by/with an injury or illness, they feel very weak and are unable to do much
people who are not respected at all because they are dishonest, immoral, or not at all important
Check pronunciation: low