subnormal

[ suhb-nawr-muhl ]

adjective

1. below the normal; less than or inferior to the normal:

   a subnormal amount of rain.

2. being less than average in any psychological trait, as intelligence, personality, or emotional adjustment.

noun

1. a subnormal person.
2. Geometry. that part of the x-axis of a curve cut off between the ordinate and a normal.

subnormal

/ ˌsʌbnɔːˈmælɪtɪ; sʌbˈnɔːməl /

adjective

1. less than the normal
2. having a low intelligence, esp having an IQ of less than 70

noun

1. a subnormal person

Derived Forms

• subnormality, noun
• subˈnormally, adverb

Other Words From

• subnor·mali·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subnormal¹

First recorded in 1700–10; sub- + normal

Example Sentences

Of course here as everywhere we must allow for the defective, the imperfect, the subnormals and the children of the very poor.

From Project Gutenberg

If we could not obtain Utopia then, we might, at least by abolishing the subnormals and abnormals who constitute the slaves and careerists of society, render the human race less contemptible and more divine.

From Project Gutenberg

Epilepsy and migraine certainly occur in people of no supernormal gifts, and often in degenerates and subnormals.

From Project Gutenberg

Slaves and careerists, subnormals and abnormals, are the important elements of the constituency of every modern statesman.

From Project Gutenberg

The slaves, the inferiors, the subnormals exist merely to be exploited by them.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• feeble
• inferior
• insufficient
• meager
• mediocre
• miserable
• modest
• ordinary
• shoddy
• substandard
• unsatisfactory
• weak