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submarginal

American  
[suhb-mahr-juh-nl] / sʌbˈmɑr dʒə nl /

adjective

  1. Biology. near the margin.

  2. below the margin.

  3. not worth cultivating, as land; less than satisfactory; unproductive.


submarginal British  
/ sʌbˈmɑːdʒɪnəl /

adjective

  1. below the minimum requirements

  2. situated close to the margin of an organ or part

  3. (of land) infertile and unprofitable for cultivation

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of submarginal

First recorded in 1820–30; sub- + marginal

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.

Only on such minor policies as transportation, reciprocal trade pacts, retirement of submarginal land and direct subsidies for shipping did the Chamber support the President.

From Time Magazine Archive

When World War I threatened its manganese supply, the U. S. increased purchases of ore from Cuba and Brazil, began working its own submarginal deposits.

From Time Magazine Archive

He also campaigned tirelessly to educate Southerners in the economic importance of growing timber on submarginal Texas farm land.

From Time Magazine Archive

Later Mr. Morgenthau headed the State Conservation Commission, and Professor Warren, again a member, surveyed the marginal and submarginal lands of the State, made recommendations on which Governor Roosevelt based his reforestation program.

From Time Magazine Archive

They and the coyotes lived clever, despairing, submarginal lives.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck