Substandard
/ˌsʌbˈstæn.dərd/noun
Below the level of quality or performance generally accepted as standard.
Did you know?The word “standard” originally referred to a military banner planted upright as a rallying point before it became a measure of quality.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*steh₂-
“To stand or cause to stand”
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic
*standaną
“To stand; to remain upright”
12th Century
Old French
estandart
“A military banner or ensign planted upright”
12th–13th Century
English
standard
“A military flag; later, an established measure or model”
19th Century
English
standard
“An accepted level of quality, attainment, or comparison”
Late 19th Century
English
substandard
“Below the accepted standard or required level”
Explore more surprising origins