SUBSTANDARD Synonyms: 177 Similar and Opposite Words

substandard

adjective

ˌsəb-ˈstan-dərd

Definition of substandard

as in unacceptable

falling short of a standard a teacher who rejects substandard work without hesitation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 substandard The Dolphins, resting their talent-needy starting defense, fought with backups that will provide substandard depth this season. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Young detainees have described inedible food, substandard medical care and callous treatment at the hands of guards and staff at immigration facilities. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Trump paid them substandard wages, and their working conditions were appalling. — Kai Bird, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Cyclospora is most common in tropical climates and areas with substandard sanitation. — Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for substandard

Recent Examples of Synonyms for substandard

Adjective

The group Save Our Beaches San Clemente, however, says adding more rocks on the coast to protect the railroad is unacceptable.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Russia's demands for Ukraine to surrender its territory, among other things, are unacceptable for Kyiv.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of unacceptable

Adjective

Supporters hope for a vote during the post-election lame-duck session, potentially as part of a year-end package.

— Shira Lazar, Washington Post, 29 Sep. 2026
Even as Swift shines in the light of holy matrimony, there are still plenty of lame dudes out there for Taylor to crush across three-minute pop masterstrokes — and, God-willing, there always will be.

— Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of lame

Adjective

To help with hair regrowth, Bauman often recommends nutrient-dense meals rich with protein, healthy fat and the trace minerals that, when deficient, can lead to hair loss.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 2 Oct. 2026
Of course, supplementing with vitamin D is especially helpful for those who are deficient.

— Nicole Catanese, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of deficient

Adjective

Why is Indonesia experiencing its worst ever wildfire season?

— TheWeek, TheWeek, 2 Oct. 2026
Interior designers and professional organizers say most kitchens hide usable square footage in plain sight, trapped behind clutter, bad habits and bulky gear that could be stored smarter or edited out entirely.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of bad

Adjective

The Chiefs went on to emerge victorious 24-10, but like the offense, the defense’s focus now will be identifying how an inferior team that lost its star player early managed to stay involved until late in the fourth quarter.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
The same can be said for TCU’s offense as well after the past two games against inferior opponents.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of inferior

Adjective

De Brigard would be the first to tell you that his recollection of that day may be flawed.

— Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
And there is precedent for such a return because Romo is not the first flawed NFL analyst who faced legal troubles and worked again.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of flawed

Browse Nearby Words

substances

substandard

substantial

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Style

“Substandard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substandard. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of substandard

adjective

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