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Synonyms

subpar

American  
[suhb-pahr] / sʌbˈpɑr /

adjective

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

    This month his performance has been subpar.

Etymology

Origin of subpar

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

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.

The Occidental underperformance highlights Berkshire’s generally subpar U.S. stock picking—new buys and sells—over the past six or seven years.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

He posts on X about subpar city snow clearing and various internet memes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

The numbers: The U.S. expanded at a subpar 1.4% annual pace in the fourth quarter of 2025, depressed by a long federal shutdown that caused government spending to plunge.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026

It’s worth saying plainly that this is not an attempt to lure anyone toward subpar ingredients.

From Salon • Jan. 5, 2026

Faraday never complained when the meals they made were subpar.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.