substandard

adjective

sub·​stan·​dard ˌsəb-ˈstan-dərd How to pronounce substandard (audio)
Synonyms of substandardnext
: deviating from or falling short of a standard or norm: such as
a
: of a quality lower than that prescribed by law
substandard housing
b
: conforming to a pattern of linguistic usage existing within a speech community but not that of the prestige group in that community
c
: constituting a greater than normal risk to an insurer

Synonyms of substandard

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Examples of substandard in a Sentence

a teacher who rejects substandard work without hesitation
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These judges are far less likely to release immigrants on bond or parole, keeping them trapped in what detainees and advocates say are substandard conditions. — Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026 Executive Director Sara Haji referenced other pending lawsuits addressing allegations such as medical neglect, retaliation and substandard food and water. — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 These substandard results may also overestimate preparedness. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026 Stefanski said the Falcons’ collective performance Sunday was substandard, and the team didn’t do enough to get the fans behind them. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for substandard

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of substandard was in 1850

Rhymes for substandard

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Browse Nearby Words

substance P
substandard
substantiable
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Cite this Entry

“Substandard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substandard. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

substandard

adjective
sub·​stan·​dard ˌsəb-ˈstan-dərd How to pronounce substandard (audio)
ˈsəb-
1
: varying from or falling short of a standard or norm
substandard housing
2
: following a pattern of linguistic usage that is not considered standard
substandard English

Legal Definition

substandard

adjective
sub·​stan·​dard
: deviating from or falling short of a standard or norm: as
a
: of a quality lower than that prescribed by law
b
: constituting a greater than normal risk to an insurer
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