Mediocrity: meaning, definitions and examples
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mediocrity
[ ˌmiː.diˈɒk.rɪ.ti ]
state of being
Mediocrity refers to the quality of being average or ordinary, particularly in a context where higher standards are expected. It indicates a lack of exceptional quality, talent, or skill, often resulting in a unimpressive or mediocre outcome. In many cases, mediocrity can be perceived negatively, as it implies a failure to rise above the commonplace or to achieve excellence. People may strive for mediocrity in certain aspects of life, but it is generally considered more desirable to aim for better achievements.
Synonyms
average, commonplace, inferiority, ordinariness.
Examples of usage
- She settled into mediocrity after years of brilliance.
- The team's performance was marked by mediocrity.
- He feared living a life of mediocrity without passion.
Translations
Translations of the word "mediocrity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mediocridade
🇮🇳 औसतता
🇩🇪 Mittelmäßigkeit
🇮🇩 kebiasaan
🇺🇦 середність
🇵🇱 średniość
🇯🇵 平凡
🇫🇷 médiocrité
🇪🇸 mediocridad
🇹🇷 ortalama
🇰🇷 보통
🇸🇦 متوسطية
🇨🇿 průměrnost
🇸🇰 priemernosť
🇨🇳 平庸
🇸🇮 povprečnost
🇮🇸 miðlungs
🇰🇿 орташа
🇬🇪 საშუალო
🇦🇿 orta
🇲🇽 mediocridad
Etymology
The word 'mediocrity' traces its roots back to the Latin term 'mediocris', which means 'middle, moderate, or ordinary'. 'Mediocris' is derived from 'medius', meaning 'middle', and the suffix '-cris', which is often associated with quality. The term was adopted into English in the late 16th century, maintaining its connotation of being in the middle or mediocre in quality. As its usage evolved, it increasingly took on a negative connotation, implying a lack of excellence or distinction, particularly when compared to superior standards. In modern contexts, mediocrity often describes a state where individuals or works fail to stand out and are merely passable or satisfactory, falling short of what is truly remarkable.