below par

Idioms

Also, under par. Not up to the average, normal, or desired standard. For example, I am feeling below par today, but I'm sure I'll recover by tomorrow. This term employs par in the sense of “an average amount or quality,” a usage dating from the late 1700s.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Though Scotland's score always looked 20 runs below par, England were troubled at one stage.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

These levels are well below par, but the sharp gains suggest improving expectations for an eventual recovery.

From Barron's • Jan. 5, 2026

Frimpong and Kerkez have struggled at full-back and even captain Virgil van Dijk has been below par as Liverpool find themselves targeted by a barrage of long balls.

From Barron's • Oct. 26, 2025

Having been handed a second chance and impressed while Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens were below par, more displays like this will provide Maresca with a welcome option in attack.

From BBC • Sep. 23, 2025

Even Holly’s beacon was a few shades below par, and that had a micro nuclear battery sending out the pulses.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023