below par

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.

Example Sentences

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.

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Alice Capsey played an enterprising cameo to get England to 244, which always felt below par, but when Lauren Bell removed Phoebe Litchfield's off stump with a beauty and Georgia Voll and Ellyse Perry were dismissed shortly after, England were in unfamiliar territory.

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Charlie Dean again rescued England somewhat with the bat, adding a valuable stand of 61 from 52 balls with Alice Capsey, who made an entertaining 38, but Australia's superstar all-rounders proved that the total was still significantly below par when faced with such a stellar batting line-up.

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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.

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But a return of three trophies from that run felt below par.

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