mediocrity

[mee-dee-ok-ri-tee]

noun

plural

mediocrities 

1. the state or quality of being mediocre.

2. mediocre ability or accomplishment.

3. a mediocre person.

mediocrity

/ ˌmɛd-, ˌmiːdɪˈɒkrɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being mediocre

2. a mediocre person or thing

Word History and Origins

Origin of mediocrity¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English mediocrite, from Middle French mediocrite, from Latin mediocritāt-, stem of mediocritās “middle state, moderation”; equivalent to mediocre + -ity

Example Sentences

They rightly believe that it’s hard to go back to mediocrity after you’ve tasted excellence.

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They may be killed off by the icy blast of further mediocrity should Rangers be undone again at home or abroad.

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It’s possible Lincoln Riley could turn a corner and make USC a College Football Playoff contender this season, but Saturday’s win also might just mask mediocrity.

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Was scheduling cannon fodder such as Missouri State a necessary step to reach the College Football Playoff or a cynical effort to conceal USC’s mediocrity?

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Fans keep showing up, hoping for change, while Moreno cashes the checks and delivers mediocrity.

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Related Words

• normality