substandard — Not up to the usual or required standard; of poor quality
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: Not up to the usual or required standard; of poor quality
Pronunciation (IPA): /sʌbˈstændərd/
Example Sentences
- The government agency rejected the contractor's bid because the proposed materials were substandard.
- My roommate's cooking is so substandard that even our dog refuses to eat the leftovers.
- Civil service exam candidates who submit substandard applications will be automatically disqualified.
substandard
ADJECTIVE[/sʌbˈstændərd/]
Not up to the usual or required standard; of poor quality
The bridge collapsed because contractors used substandard materials to save money.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This word combines the Latin prefix 'sub-' (meaning below, under, or less than) with 'standard' (a criterion or level of quality). The term emerged in widespread use during the late 19th century with the development of industrial manufacturing and quality control, denoting goods or services that fall below an established baseline.
Breakdown
sub- (below, less than) + standard (criterion, established level of quality) = below the established standard or criterion.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The government agency rejected the contractor's bid because the proposed materials were substandard.”
“My roommate's cooking is so substandard that even our dog refuses to eat the leftovers.”
“Civil service exam candidates who submit substandard applications will be automatically disqualified.”
“After eating at that substandard restaurant, I finally understood why it had zero customers.”
📚Related Words
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