noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
lower grade; low class; junior
Refers to a lower rank, grade, or class in a hierarchy, such as in schools, jobs, or social status. Often used attributively with の.
彼は下級の役人として働いている。
He works as a junior official.
下級生は上級生を敬うべきだ。
Lower-grade students should respect upper-grade students.