Never been played, possibly even still sealed.
More than likely never been played, and the vinyl will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. The record should show no obvious signs of wear.
It will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK".
Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.
It can be played through without skipping but it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear, "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback.
It is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating.
Perfect. No wear, marks, or any other imperfections, possibly still sealed.
A sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as any sign of slight handling. An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable similar defects. The same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc.
The label may have some ring wear or discolouration, but it should be barely noticeable. Spindle marks may be present. Picture sleeves and inner sleeves will have some slight wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a slight seam split. The cover may have slight signs of wear, and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner.
Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time.
A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present.
The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing. The cover barely keeps the vinyl inside it. Inner sleeves are fully split, crinkled, and written upon.
The term "generic" refers to a type of sleeve that is not specific to the release. A generic sleeve is either a plain sleeve or a company sleeve with standard company artwork. A sleeve that is graded as "generic" needs no further grading, as a generic sleeve generally adds little value to the item and can be easily replaced.
Never been played, possibly even still sealed.
No obvious signs of use, it may have been played - but it has been handled very carefully.
A few minor scuffs/scratches. This has been played, but handled with good care - and certainly not abused.
Quite a few light scuffs/scratches, or several more-pronounced scratches. This has obviously been played, but not handled as carefully as a VG+.
There are a lot of scuffs/scratches. However it will still play through without problems. This has not been handled with much care at all.
The CD may or may not play some or all of the tracks. See the seller's comments for details.
Perfect. No wear, marks, or any other imperfections, possibly still sealed.
Near Perfect. No obvious wear, it may have only the slightest of marks from handling.
Slight wear, marks, indentations, it may possibly have a cut-out hole (or similar).
More wear, marks, indentations than a VG+. May have slight fading, a small tear/rip, or some writing.
Well worn, marked, more obvious indentations, fading, writing, than a VG - possibly a more significant tear/rip.
Very worn. It may have obvious writing on it, it may be ripped/torn, or significantly faded, or water damaged.
The term "generic" refers to a type of sleeve that is not specific to the release. A generic sleeve is either a plain sleeve or a company sleeve with standard company artwork. A sleeve that is graded as "generic" needs no further grading, as a generic sleeve generally adds little value to the item and can be easily replaced.