Substandard: meaning, definitions and examples
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substandard
[sʌbˈstændərd ]
Definitions
quality assessment
Below the usual or required standard; not satisfactory or acceptable.
Synonyms
below par, inferior, unsatisfactory.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| substandard |
Used to describe something that does not meet the normal standards or expectations, often in formal contexts such as regulations or quality control.
|
| inferior |
Applied to describe something of lower quality or value in comparison to something else, often used in a negative and sometimes pejorative way.
|
| below par |
Commonly used to describe performance or quality that is poorer than what is typical or expected, especially in informal situations.
|
| unsatisfactory |
Used to describe something that does not meet the required or desired standards, especially in formal evaluations or feedback.
|
Examples of usage
- The company was criticized for producing substandard products.
- The school was shut down due to substandard facilities.
quality assessment
A product that is below standard or not up to the required quality.
Synonyms
inferior product, low-quality item.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| substandard |
Interchangeable with the first entry but detailed to show dual contexts - can be used in regulatory or quality discussions.
|
| inferior product |
Often used in consumer reviews or informal discussions to describe a product that is noticeably worse in quality compared to others.
|
| low-quality item |
Commonly used in both formal and informal conversations. It generally refers to any item that lacks durability, performance, or overall quality.
|
Examples of usage
- The inspection revealed several substandards in the manufacturing process.
- The restaurant was closed down for serving substandards.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'substandard' is formed from the prefix 'sub-' meaning 'under' or 'below', and 'standard', which refers to a level of quality.
- First known use of 'substandard' dates back to the mid-20th century, often used in contexts like housing or products.
- In formal contexts, the term can be applied legally to describe goods that fail to meet established criteria.
Pop Culture
- Substandard elements often feature in satire, where products or services are mocked for being low quality.
- In movies, characters may use substandard technology, creating humor when high expectations clash with poor performance.
- Music and art can also be considered substandard when they fail to resonate with audiences or critics.
Education
- Substandard educational resources can hinder students’ learning, impacting their overall academic success.
- Schools identified as substandard often face interventions to improve quality and outcomes.
- In many countries, education systems have standards to define what is considered substandard teaching or materials.
Industry
- In manufacturing, substandard goods are often recalled due to being unsafe or not functioning as intended.
- Quality assurance processes aim to eliminate substandard products before they reach consumers.
- Substandard work conditions can affect employee morale and productivity, prompting labor regulations.
Psychology
- Perceptions of substandard performance can lead to stigma or lower self-esteem in individuals.
- The fear of producing substandard work may overburden people, leading to anxiety and perfectionism.
- In group settings, individuals may avoid collaboration to escape being associated with substandard results.
Translations
Translations of the word "substandard" in other languages:
🇵🇹 abaixo do padrão
🇮🇳 मानक से नीचे
🇩🇪 minderwertig
🇮🇩 di bawah standar
🇺🇦 нижче стандарту
🇵🇱 poniżej standardu
🇯🇵 標準以下
🇫🇷 inférieur à la norme
🇪🇸 por debajo del estándar
🇹🇷 standart altı
🇰🇷 기준 이하의
🇸🇦 دون المستوى
🇨🇿 pod standardem
🇸🇰 pod štandardom
🇨🇳 低于标准
🇸🇮 pod standardom
🇮🇸 undir staðli
🇰🇿 стандарттан төмен
🇬🇪 სტანდარტს ქვემოთ
🇦🇿 standartdan aşağı
🇲🇽 por debajo del estándar