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Meaning & use

subpar

adjective·Academicdisapproving

Last updated

UK/sʌbˈpɑːr/
US/sʌbˈpɑːr/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a noundisapproving

    Below the expected or acceptable level of quality, performance, or results.

    Grammar: Often comes before a noun or after linking verbs such as seem or was.

    Patterns

    • subpar performance
    • subpar service
    • subpar results

    The team gave a subpar performance in the final.

    Customers complained about subpar service.

    His grades were subpar this term.

  2. adjectivebefore a nounsporttechnical

    In golf, describing a score lower than the standard number of strokes for a hole or course.

    Grammar: Specialist use after a number or before score; unlike everyday subpar, lower here is better.

    Patterns

    • subpar score
    • shoot subpar
    • finish subpar

    She shot a subpar round on Saturday.

    A subpar score helped him climb the leaderboard.

    Finishing subpar at this course is difficult.

Common combinations

subpar performance
The coach blamed injuries for the subpar performance.
subpar service
The hotel apologized for subpar service during our stay.
subpar results
The report showed subpar results in reading and math.
subpar conditions
Players complained about subpar field conditions.

Synonyms and how they differ

below standard
Clear and neutral; subpar is shorter and often more critical.
inferior
Compares one thing as worse than another; subpar compares against an expected level.
unsatisfactory
Formal and often used in reports or evaluations.
second-rate
More insulting, suggesting low class or quality; subpar is about missing a level.

Opposites

excellentabove averageoutstanding

Word family

par noun
The expected level or, in golf, the standard number of strokes.
sub- prefix
A prefix meaning below or less than, as in substandard.

Commonly confused: subpar or par? subpar or subpar in golf?

subpar vs par

Par is the standard level itself; subpar means below that standard in general use.

subpar vs subpar in golf

In everyday English subpar is bad, but in golf a subpar score is lower than par and therefore good.

Practice

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