subpar

[ suhb-pahr ]

adjective

1. below an average, usual, or normal level, quality, or the like; below par:

   This month his performance has been subpar.

Word History and Origins

Origin of subpar¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; sub- ( def ) + par ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Persuading customers that variety meats were a necessary wartime substitution worked temporarily but ultimately led to the perception that they were subpar choices.

From Salon

Of course, Schiano added that those shortcomings were a result of subpar coaching, a theme echoed by Foster after saying his team’s lack of discipline was “on me.”

From Los Angeles Times

She ended up with a bruise in that area of her face, but Clark didn’t use it as an excuse for her subpar game.

From Los Angeles Times

This factor, exacerbated by poverty, malnutrition, and subpar medical infrastructure in countries where malaria is commonly found, poses enormous challenges to maternal and fetal health.

From Salon

Heath was helping her Perkins students organize a shared home for a group of African refugees living in subpar rentals in Dallas when she first got involved with alternative faith communities.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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