lowly position

USAGE SUMMARY

"lowly position" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's social status or job position that is considered inferior or of low importance. Example: Despite his intelligence and hard work, John remained in a lowly position as a janitor at the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Swindon's lowly position has been startling.

The Guardian - Sport

I once worked in a lowly position in an operating room.

The New Yorker

Orwell, given his lowly position in a Poum militia, saw none of this.

The Guardian - Books

His current lowly position in the pecking order must be especially hard to take.

The Guardian - Sport

Multiple sclerosis, my longtime companion, has resumed its lowly position in the hierarchy of suffering.

The New York Times - Health

Her husband, Sir Edmund Filmer, is seated on the right near the family dog, in a lowly position.

The New York Times - Arts

Irrespective of the lowly position of 14th in the table, backing for Mourinho from Chelsea fans goes on.

The Guardian - Sport

What they'll actually get Ronnie Moore is a very experienced manager and very rarely has he managed a side to a lowly position.

The Guardian - Sport

Your success or failure in doing this will determine whether journalists rise from their present lowly position in public esteem or sink even lower.

The Guardian - Books

On paper, the harijans should be the most powerful bloc, but their lowly position makes them prey to bribery and in timidation.

The New York Times

He coached Basel to Champions League success against Manchester United, then moved to motivate Hamburg from a lowly position to safety in Germany.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lowly position", ensure the context clarifies whether it refers to social standing, job rank, or some other hierarchical structure. Providing specific details can avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "lowly position" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Opt for more precise terms like "entry-level role" or "subordinate rank" to maintain a professional tone and avoid sounding overly critical or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lowly position" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "lowly" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "position". Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The phrase describes a placement within a hierarchy that is considered inferior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lowly position" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase to describe an inferior rank or status, commonly found in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the tone and formality of the writing, potentially opting for alternatives like "inferior rank" or "subordinate status" in more formal settings. Keep in mind the specific context to avoid ambiguity when using "lowly position".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inferior rank

Focuses on the hierarchical aspect, specifically the lower standing in a system.

subordinate status

Highlights the dependent and secondary nature of the position.

humble standing

Emphasizes the modest and unpretentious nature of the position.

low-level job

Directly refers to a job with minimal responsibility or pay.

lower echelon

Indicates a place at the bottom of an organization's structure.

minor role

Highlights the limited importance and impact of the function.

lesser post

Emphasizes the reduced authority and influence compared to other positions.

lower station

Indicates a disadvantaged social class or rank.

bottom rung

An idiomatic expression referring to the lowest level in a hierarchy or career ladder.

secondary function

Implies that the position's main role is to support other primary activities.

FAQs

How can I use "lowly position" in a sentence?

You can use "lowly position" to describe someone's rank or status in a hierarchy, such as "Despite his experience, he started in a "lowly position" at the company".

What are some alternatives to "lowly position"?

Alternatives include "inferior rank", "subordinate status", or "humble standing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lowly position" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "lowly position" might be perceived as somewhat informal or negative. Consider using more neutral terms like "entry-level role" or "subordinate rank" in formal contexts.

What is the difference between "lowly position" and "low position"?

"Lowly position" implies a greater degree of insignificance or lack of power compared to "low position". "Low position" simply indicates a position that is not high in a hierarchy, while "lowly position" suggests a more demeaning or unimportant role.