Subpar: meaning, definitions and examples

👎

Add to dictionary

subpar

[ sʌbˈpɑː ]

Adjective / Noun

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

performance evaluation

Below an average level; not up to the expected standard.

Synonyms

below average, below par, inferior, poor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
subpar	Use this word to describe something that is below the expected standard, typically in a business or performance-related context. His performance in the last quarter was subpar. The service at the restaurant was subpar.
below average	This phrase is typically used in formal contexts, like academics or assessments, to indicate something that falls short of the mean level. Her grades this semester are below average. The company's sales were below average this year.
inferior	Use this word when you want to emphasize that something is of lower quality or lesser value in a more general sense. It can have a negative connotation. The new product is inferior to the old version. These shoes are of inferior quality.
below par	Often seen in more professional or formal settings, this phrase can describe the condition of something that doesn't meet a standard or expectation. The report was below par and needed major revisions. Her performance in the meeting was below par.
poor	Typically used to describe low quality or unsatisfactory performance, often implying disappointment. The team's poor performance cost them the game. She gave a poor presentation.

Examples of usage

The team's subpar performance cost them the championship.
His subpar acting skills were evident in the movie.
The restaurant received subpar reviews for its food quality.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

golf terminology

A score that is below the average or expected level in golf.

Synonyms

below average, inferior, under par.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
subpar	Used in general situations to describe something that is below expectations or standards. His performance was subpar compared to the rest of the team The quality of the hotel service was subpar
below average	Typically used in academic or performance contexts to describe something that is not reaching the expected average level. Her test scores were below average this semester The player's performance in the last game was below average
under par	Usually used in golf to indicate a score that is better than the expected number of strokes. In other contexts, it suggests below the usual or expected level. His score of 71 is under par in this golf tournament The quality of the meal was under par for a five-star restaurant
inferior	Often used in a comparative context with a negative connotation, emphasizing that something is worse than something else. This product is inferior to its competitors They considered the new plan to be inferior to the old one

Examples of usage

He finished the round with a subpar score of 70.
Her consistent subpar performances led to her victory in the tournament.

Translations

Translations of the word "subpar" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abaixo do padrão

🇮🇳 औसत से कम

🇩🇪 unterdurchschnittlich

🇮🇩 di bawah standar

🇺🇦 нижче середнього

🇵🇱 poniżej normy

🇯🇵 平均以下

🇫🇷 inférieur à la moyenne

🇪🇸 por debajo del promedio

🇹🇷 ortalamanın altında

🇰🇷 평균 이하

🇸🇦 دون المستوى

🇨🇿 podprůměrný

🇸🇰 podpriemerný

🇨🇳 低于标准

🇸🇮 podpovprečen

🇮🇸 undir meðallagi

🇰🇿 ортадан төмен

🇬🇪 საშუალოზე დაბალი

🇦🇿 orta səviyyədən aşağı

🇲🇽 por debajo del promedio

Etymology

The word 'subpar' originated in the early 20th century, combining the prefix 'sub-' meaning 'under' or 'below' with 'par', a term from golf meaning the standard score for a hole or course. It has since been widely used in various contexts to describe something that is below average or expected quality.