as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard the service at the restaurant was subpar, to say the least

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of subpar Sure, everyone wants to be an early selection, but more often than not, that leads to landing on a subpar team. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025 Former New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo had a subpar year last season, with a .233 batting average and .647 OPS while striking out 93 times in 621 plate appearances. Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025 Siakam can get the Pacers going on some nights when their offense is subpar. Tony East, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 But some bumps in the road are to be expected, and Friday was one of those days for Rea, who turned in a subpar performance in a 6-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds before 36,019 at Wrigley Field. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for subpar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subpar
Adjective
  • In April 2021, the European Commission proposed a draft of the Artificial Intelligence Act, aimed at introducing a system of AI classification based on risks to users (minimal, limited, high, unacceptable).
    Olena Orliuk, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Adams said that such outside interference on a group of experts who are supposed to be able to review science free from political influence sets an unacceptable standard.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • In past decades, this stage was easy to spot: clashing colors, poor makeup attempts, and wardrobes inspired by favorite TV stars.
    Dia Gallo, Parents, 17 June 2025
  • First touch poor, always wants to go on the inside and thought overall not great.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.
    Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 June 2021
  • My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.
    Tim Neville, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
  • The Verge reported a Tesla Model Y robotaxi briefly traveled the wrong way down a road in Austin.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 23 June 2025
  • Her only 'crime' seems to be coming from the 'wrong' country.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • That backlash was so bad that Raven stepped in to defend her wife.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 16 June 2025
  • Things are indeed so bad that another source told the outlet that the two might not see each other again until their father dies.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Night trains generally were also found to be deficient in bicycle storage space.
    Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • This Sun team is simply deficient on both ends of the floor and ranks last in points, rebounds and assists per game.
    Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • And these are the same Oilers who, after a terrible 6-1 loss in Game 3 to the Panthers, overcame a three-goal deficit in Game 4 to even the series.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • For example, while the IRA rollback effort will inevitably mean a significant reduction in U.S. federal support for electric vehicles, nevertheless the adoption of EVs continued in Q1 even despite a terrible quarter for the U.S.’s leading brand (Tesla).
    Rob Day, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • And in addition to the swing itself, his overall approach at the plate has always been horrible.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • With guidance from Benny’s older sister and her campus-legend boyfriend, Benny and Carmen juggle horrible hookups, flavored vodka, and fake IDs.
    Peter White, Deadline, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subpar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subpar. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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