low-level

/ˌloʊ ˌˈlɛvəl/

/ˈlʌʊlɛvəl/

Other forms: lowest-level

Someone who's described as being low-level has very little authority in their job or position. A low-level employee at the F.B.I. might be the person who answers the phone, or who cleans people's offices at the end of the day.

A low-level police officer's job might involve giving speeding tickets, rather than investigating murders, and a low-level librarian might be stuck shelving books, instead of ordering new ones or archiving historical manuscripts. Another meaning of low-level is physically low, or at a low altitude: "I feel like I could almost touch that low-level cloud."

Definitions of low-level

1. adjective

   at a low level in rank or importance
   “a low-level job”

   “low-level discussions”

   synonyms:

   inferior

   of or characteristic of low rank or importance
2. adjective

   lower in rank or importance
   synonyms: subordinate

   adjunct, assistant

   of or relating to a person who is subordinate to another

   associate

   having partial rights and privileges or subordinate status

   secondary

   belonging to a lower class or rank

   under

   lower in rank, power, or authority

   subordinate

   subject or submissive to authority or the control of another

   inferior

   of or characteristic of low rank or importance
3. adjective

   not intense
   “low-level radiation”

   synonyms:

   low

   less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
4. adjective

   occurring at a relatively low altitude
   “a low-level strafing run”

   synonyms: low-altitude

   low

   literal meanings; being at or having a relatively small elevation or upward extension