second-generation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Technical, Academic, Everyday
Quick answer
What does “second-generation” mean?
Belonging to the second group or stage in a sequence of development or descent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Belonging to the second group or stage in a sequence of development or descent; often describing children of immigrants.
Describing a later, improved version or model of a technology, idea, or product; can refer to individuals who follow a pioneering group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is remarkably consistent across both varieties in meaning and application. No significant differences.
Connotations
Neutral in technical contexts (e.g., second-generation software). In social/immigration contexts, can carry neutral, positive (successful integration), or slightly negative (identity conflict) connotations depending on discourse.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties. High frequency in sociology, technology, and business writing.
Grammar
How to Use “second-generation” in a Sentence
[second-generation] + NOUN (e.g., second-generation immigrant)NOUN + [of the second generation] (less common, more formal)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second-generation” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She is a second-generation Londoner, her parents having moved from Mumbai.
- The company launched its second-generation electric vehicle with much fanfare.
American English
- He is a second-generation American whose family is originally from Korea.
- This second-generation antivirus software provides far better protection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to improved versions of products or services (e.g., 'Our second-generation processor offers 40% better performance').
Academic
Used in sociology (immigration studies), technology history, and medicine (drug development).
Everyday
Common in discussions about family heritage, technology upgrades (phones, consoles), and societal integration.
Technical
Precise descriptor in engineering, computing, and pharmaceuticals to denote a specific iteration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second-generation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “second-generation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second-generation”
- Using as a noun without a head noun (e.g., 'He is a second-generation' – INCORRECT; must be 'a second-generation citizen' or 'a member of the second generation'). Hyphenation is essential when used as a compound adjective before a noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., second-generation immigrant). It may be open after a noun in some styles (e.g., 'software of the second generation'), but the hyphenated form is standard for the adjective.
Absolutely. It is very common in technology and business to refer to improved versions of products (second-generation iPhone, second-generation vaccine).
Logically, third-generation, fourth-generation, and so on. The pattern continues for subsequent iterations or descendant groups.
No. This is a key point. A 'second-generation immigrant' is typically born in the country where their parents settled. They are the children of the first generation who actually immigrated.
Belonging to the second group or stage in a sequence of development or descent.
Second-generation is usually formal, technical, academic, everyday in register.
Second-generation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛk.ənd.dʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛk.ənd.dʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A second-generation success story”
- “Born of the second generation”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a family TREE: The FIRST generation plants the roots, the SECOND generation is the strong trunk growing upwards in the new soil.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENERATIONS ARE ITERATIONS / GENERATIONS ARE LAYERS OF IDENTITY
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'second-generation' LEAST likely to be used?