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

That capped an eight-play 31-yard drive that began at Kansas City’s 38-yard line following a subpar punt by Tampa Bay’s Bradley Pinion.

From Washington Post

As a team, however, the Terps played poorly, with 16 turnovers and subpar offense leading to a 55-50 loss.

From Washington Post

The forward went 3 for 11 from the field and had three turnovers against the Heat in his third subpar offensive game since his return from a two-week stint in the league’s coronavirus protocols, during hich he missed three games.

From Washington Post

Elway had a subpar regular season, throwing 18 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions, but he still made his third Super Bowl appearance before the age of 30.

From Washington Post

The line of masks are intended to protect people from subpar air quality, as well as airborne threats caused by the environment or a pandemic.

From Washington Post

The movies were subpar at best when he had set the bar so high.

From The Daily Beast

Surgeons insist they never used subpar implants, and CIR has no evidence the doctors were involved in the scheme.

From The Daily Beast

But subpar writing and silly sketches failed to earn her the applause.

From The Daily Beast

After some initial impressive vocal flourishes, the subsequent track, "My Darlin'" proves to be another subpar ballad.

From The Daily Beast

But a more positive force—technology—is also responsible for our subpar employment recovery.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

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