subprime

adjective

sub·​prime ˈsəb-ˌprīm 

1

: having or being an interest rate that is higher than a prime rate and is extended chiefly to a borrower who has a poor credit rating or is judged to be a potentially high risk for default (as due to low income)

subprime mortgages

a subprime loan

2

: extending or obtaining a subprime loan

subprime lenders

subprime borrowers

Examples of subprime in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The agency already has strong underwriting standards that ensure that loans go to dependable borrowers, not the subprime candidates whom some past government lending supported. —Fred P. Hochberg, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026

Almost all 47 million Americans with a subprime credit score would lose access to credit, the group found. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026

Issuers may even redesign cards for lower-credit consumers and could charge higher APRs for subprime borrowers. —Ryley Amond, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2026

The subprime auto loan market is currently flashing red, with delinquency rates surpassing 2008 levels. —Katica Roy, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subprime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime

Legal Definition

subprime

adjective

sub·​prime ˈsəb-ˌprīm 

1

: having or being an interest rate that is higher than a prime rate and is extended especially to low-income borrowers

subprime mortgages

2

: extending or obtaining a subprime loan

subprime lenders

subprime borrowers