1
as in normality
the quality or state of being mediocre
She's a perfectionist who refuses to settle for mediocrity.
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2
as in nothing
a person of little fame
He surrounded himself with mediocrities to appear more notable by comparison.
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Recent Examples of mediocrity
The Kings seem similar to the Leafs, with a future potentially full of mediocrity, but also without the spotlight of Toronto and the seemingly rampant dysfunction.
—
Eric Stephens, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
The result was not mediocrity, but high competence without distinction.
—Big Think, 20 Mar. 2026
What really bothers me is when companies pay a lot of money for mediocrity, and that happens all too often.
—Alex Crippen, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2026
The famous detective novelist and screenwriter had written an essay for the magazine excoriating the motion-picture industry and its tolerance for—indeed celebration of—mindless mediocrity.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mediocrity
Eric Stephens, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
The result was not mediocrity, but high competence without distinction.
—Big Think, 20 Mar. 2026
What really bothers me is when companies pay a lot of money for mediocrity, and that happens all too often.
—Alex Crippen, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2026
The famous detective novelist and screenwriter had written an essay for the magazine excoriating the motion-picture industry and its tolerance for—indeed celebration of—mindless mediocrity.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mediocrity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mediocrity
Noun
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Away from the track, Friedrich is a working police officer, adding an air of normality to an all-time great athlete.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
4 Feb. 2026
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But after such an odd week to start F1’s on-track running in 2026, some normality will resume in two weeks at the first Bahrain test.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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When Dana, who, like Virginia, had been successful in writing pleasant but undistinguished nothings—in her case, songs for Billy Rose’s revues—decided to try taking on more serious music by studying with Boulanger, Virginia entered a deep downward spiral.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
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Why did her mom press so hard for the littlest of nothings?—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
4 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Their choice to select a new angel from obscurity and chronicle her rise to fame may be another way to provide a fresh coat of paint to a production that runs the risk of still feeling, to some, like a relic of the pre-body positivity movement.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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For every artist who becomes enduringly famous, there are hundreds more who fall into obscurity.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Decolonization and the expansion of international legal norms further reduced the acceptability of coercive naval diplomacy.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
25 Mar. 2026
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Ultimately, the voters decide on acceptability.—
Alec Johnson,
jsonline.com,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That comes to the Philippines in the form of war, as well as through the invocation, or establishment, of American-style modes of government and education that place Filipinos along this racial hierarchy, identifying them as these inferiors that need to be taught how to govern themselves.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing such as long pants and sleeves and checking for ticks after being outside in tick-prone areas can substantially reduce the risk of being bitten.—
Tara Haelle,
Scientific American,
9 Apr. 2026
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Moss can provide shelter for insects like beetles, spiders, ants, cockroaches, and worms.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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On one side, a satanic figure named Randall Flagg who gathers his forces of badness to Las Vegas; on the other, the good guys, led by 108-year-old Mother Abigail in, of all places, Boulder.—
Barbara Ellis,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
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The show premiered over Thanksgiving weekend, when people were tired and full and bored (and probably also horny), and countered our world’s unceasing badness with its world’s buoyant sweetness.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Nobody wanted to go there — well, except the oil and gas companies aching to root around for black gold, and their most loyal minions in high places.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2026
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Israel is also a part of the ceasefire but was subjected to a last-minute barrage of missile attacks today from Iran and its minions.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mediocrity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mediocrity. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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