first tier
noun[S]
ukusthe first orhighestlevelof something:
TheSenateplanrequiredthat thecommissionfundthe firsttierandallowedit tofundthe secondtieronly if enoughmoneywasavailable.
first-tier
adjective[only before noun]
When wetalkabout thefield, wetalkaboutcertaintiersofcandidates: first-tiercandidate, second-tiercandidates, andunderdogs.