minor-league
UK: ˈmaɪnə liːɡ | US: ˈmaɪnər liːɡ
adj. relating to or characteristic of a lower level of competition, quality, or importance
n. a sports league of lesser rank or quality than a major league
The term combines "minor" (from Latin minor, meaning "less" or "smaller") and "league" (from Old French ligue, meaning "alliance" or "association"). Originally used in sports (e.g., baseball) to distinguish lower-tier teams from "major leagues," it later broadened metaphorically to describe anything of secondary status. The hyphenated form preserves the compound's literal and figurative meanings.
He started his career in minor-league baseball before joining the majors.
The company’s minor-league projects often go unnoticed.
Critics dismissed the film as a minor-league production.
She prefers minor-league games for their relaxed atmosphere.
Their minor-league performance didn’t attract much attention.