subpar

[suhb-pahr]

adjective

1. below an average, usual, or normal level, quality, or the like; below par.

   This month his performance has been subpar.

Word History and Origins

Origin of subpar¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; sub- ( def. ) + par ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Among other things, the donors also questioned Jarmond’s name, image and likeness strategy, high spending despite years of running up massive athletic department deficits and failure to fire coach Chip Kelly amid subpar results.

From Los Angeles Times

Both CCM and worship music are subpar forms that white evangelicals settle for because they think you can catch demons from the real stuff.

From Salon

For some unlucky consumers, a quick pit stop at the newly opened Tesla Diner in West Hollywood led to a subpar dining experience.

From Salon

Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire even has a movie studio where they turn out subpar content that only has an audience because they’ve convinced right-wingers to eschew quality films as too “liberal.”

From Salon

Thankfully, our local farmers markets receive Chilton County peaches just days after harvest, so no one in my neck of the woods suffers through subpar fruit.

From Salon

Related Words

• feeble 
• inferior 
• insufficient 
• meager 
• mediocre 
• miserable 
• modest 
• ordinary 
• shoddy 
• substandard 
• unsatisfactory 
• weak