Synonyms

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.

That figure is substantially below par for any team with serious title aspirations.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

England had mustered only 128 for nine but showcased their depth and nous, defending a total that looked well below par on a surface offering turn and bounce.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

Yet, with Matheus Cunha below par and Benjamin Sesko still finding his way as a United player, when Amorim looked at his other options, Joshua Zirkzee was the only one.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

After performing well below par when edging Tanzania in the opening round, Nigeria were a transformed team against Tunisia, dominating the first 30 minutes in the northern city.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 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