below average

USAGE SUMMARY

"below average" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is not as good as the average in a given group of items. For example: "The student's test scores were below average and required extra attention from the teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Are they below average, average, or better?

The Guardian - Sport

The doctor pronounces me of "below average" fitness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People on the ineffective teams, in contrast, scored below average.

The New York Times - Magazine

2008 was a below average year.

Huffington Post

If you do, you get a below average produce".

Huffington Post

These were basically "average" or "below average" guys.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

They are also below-average passers and defenders.

The New York Times - Sports

Maine's pitches had only average velocity and below-average control.

The New York Times - Sports

Carriers with below-average costs make even more.

The Guardian

He is also considered a below-average defensive player.

The New York Times - Sports

Some officials worried about offering a below-average experience underground.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more specific term might be more appropriate, like "subpar" or "underperforming".

Common error

Avoid using "below average" without specifying what the average refers to. Saying "The quality was below average" is less effective than "The quality was below the average for similar products".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "below average" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that the noun is less than the typical or expected level. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "below average" is a frequently used phrase to describe something that is less than the typical or expected level. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business settings. When using "below average", clarity is key; ensure you specify what the average refers to for a more effective and precise communication. For alternative expressions, consider words or phrases as "subpar" or "underperforming" depending on the tone and style you need to keep in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subpar

A more concise and informal way to say "below average".

inferior to the norm

More formal and emphasizes a comparison to a standard.

less than satisfactory

Focuses on the inadequacy or unacceptability of something.

underperforming

Specifically refers to not meeting expected performance levels.

deficient

Highlights a lack or shortage in a particular quality or aspect.

not up to par

An idiomatic expression indicating something fails to meet expectations.

lacking

Emphasizes the absence of something necessary or desirable.

of poor quality

Directly addresses the inadequate quality of something.

relatively weak

Highlights a comparison where something is not as strong as something else.

not as good as expected

Indicates a disappointment in relation to prior expectations.

FAQs

How to use "below average" in a sentence?

You can use "below average" to describe something that is less than the typical or expected level. For example, "His test scores were "below average", indicating a need for extra help".

What can I say instead of "below average"?

You can use alternatives like "subpar", "inferior to the norm", or "underperforming" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "below average" or "under average"?

"Below average" is the commonly accepted and grammatically correct phrase. "Under average" is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "below average" and "average"?

"Below average" indicates a state or quality that is less than the typical or expected level, while "average" describes something that is typical or standard.