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

It’s almost as if prime-time network television has attained maximum mediocrity and is willing to maintain a sluggish cruising level.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“People are obsessed with the most mundane things. Like, we praise mediocrity nowadays.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on BBC

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• normality