subpar

American  

[suhb-pahr] / sʌbˈpɑr /

adjective

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

   This month his performance has been subpar.

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Etymology

Origin of subpar

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

Explanation

Anything that's subpar is worse than average. When a football team has a subpar season, it is a huge letdown for their biggest fans. Subpar things just aren't up to their usual standards. Your subpar attendance at school may mean extra homework, and the math team's subpar showing at the district competition might keep them out of the state finals this year. In golf, subpar means a golfer had to hit the ball more times than expected to get it in the hole. Subpar is from sub-, or "under" and par, or "average," from a Latin root meaning "equality."

Example Sentences

On other tracks, she stands on business, solidifying her status as a major catch and refusing to compromise for a subpar man.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The Occidental underperformance highlights Berkshire’s generally subpar U.S. stock picking—new buys and sells—over the past six or seven years.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

He posts on X about subpar city snow clearing and various internet memes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

At the end of the interview, when they ask if you have any questions for them, this is when you can circle back to that subpar answer.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 16, 2026

Faraday never complained when the meals they made were subpar.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

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