substandard

[suhb-stan-derd]

adjective

1. below standard or less than adequate.

   substandard housing conditions.

2. noting or pertaining to a dialect or variety of a language or a feature of usage that is often considered by others to mark its user as uneducated; nonstandard.

3. Insurance.

   1. not measuring up to an insurer's regular standards in undertaking risks.

      a substandard risk.

   2. pertaining to insurance written to cover substandard risks.

substandard

/ sʌbˈstændəd /

adjective

1. below an established or required standard

2. another word for nonstandard

Word History and Origins

Origin of substandard¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; sub- + standard

Example Sentences

She lost before a federal judge and a U.S. appeals court, both of whom said the state has the authority to regulate the practice of medicine and to prevent substandard healthcare.

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But their transfer was denied by the Canadian government last week over concerns they would face similarly substandard treatment as "public entertainment".

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A Catholic woman intimidated out of her home in June has said her replacement housing is substandard and, as a result, has split up her family.

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Other states followed, relying on their authority to regulate the practice of medicine and to prohibit substandard care.

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Many environmentalists and community members had worried the speed of the cleanup might lead to workers cutting corners or substandard workmanship.

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Related Words

• cheap 
• inadequate 
• lousy 
• shoddy