below average
Not quite standard
Below average describes something that falls short of the typical standard or norm.
Test scores, performance, heights, or abilities can all be below average—meaning they rank in the lower half when measured against the group: His grades were below average this semester.
Often carries a negative connotation, implying inadequacy rather than simply statistical position.
Of lower rank
- substandardBelow required quality
- second-rateBelow acceptable standards
- third-rateOf poor quality
- poorLacking sufficient resources
deficient · inadequate · lacking · wanting · unsatisfactory · unacceptable · shoddy · low-quality
Of moderate quality
- ordinaryStandard, unremarkable
- unremarkableNot worthy of comment
- commonplaceUnremarkable and frequent
- undistinguishedLacking notable qualities
unexceptional · so-so · passable · tolerable · fair · modest · plain · vanilla
Failing to meet expectations
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
- anticlimaxDisappointing conclusion after buildup
- dismalDepressingly dark or dull
- lamentableDeserving strong disapproval
regrettable · unfulfilling · unimpressive · falling short · missing the mark · coming up short · failure · unsatisfying
inferior
Of lower rank
- substandardBelow required quality
- second-rateBelow acceptable standards
- third-rateOf poor quality
poor · deficient · inadequate · lacking · wanting · unsatisfactory · unacceptable · shoddy · low-quality · bottom-tier
middling
Of moderate quality
- ordinaryStandard, unremarkable
- unremarkableNot worthy of comment
- commonplaceUnremarkable and frequent
undistinguished · unexceptional · so-so · passable · tolerable · fair · modest · plain · vanilla · run-of-the-mill
underwhelming
Failing to meet expectations
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
- anticlimaxDisappointing conclusion after buildup
- dismalDepressingly dark or dull
lamentable · regrettable · unfulfilling · unimpressive · falling short · missing the mark · coming up short · failure · unsatisfying · deflating
meager
Deficient in quantity
minimal · skimpy · slight · limited · scarce · insufficient · insubstantial · short · thin · lean
- academic failurefailing grade, failed test, F grade, flunk, flunking
- Evaluationsevaluation, assessment, appraisal, review, rating
- fitness levelsfit, unfit, in shape, out of shape, athletic
- heighttall, short, high, low, height
- levelslevel, tier, layer, floor, story
- ratingsA rating, rating, one star, five stars, rating scale
below averageabove average
Better than the mean
exceptional · outstanding · excellent · superior · first-rate
below averageextraordinary
Beyond what's typical
superlative · world-class · elite · best-in-class · cream of the crop