According to one embodiment, a secondary battery is provided. The secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an aqueous electrolyte containing alkali metal ions. The aqueous electrolyte contains an organic compound containing a carboxyl group or carboxylate group and a hydroxyl group. The pH of the aqueous electrolyte is 0 or less. The ratio of the weight of the organic compound to the weight of the aqueous electrolyte is within a range of 0.01% by weight to 6.5% by weight. The number of carbon atoms in the organic compound is 5 or more.