below par

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

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

From BBC

Phil Salt took 24 from the second over, bowled by Holder, and West Indies' total looked 15 runs below par.

From BBC

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

Although the total appeared below par on paper, the pitch should remain a handful.

From Barron's

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

From Barron's