below the average

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "below the average" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is less than the typical or expected level of quality, performance, or measurement. Example: "The team's performance this season has been below the average, leading to concerns about their chances in the playoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All other brands were below the average.

The New York Times

However bread prices are 11% below the average for Europe.

The Guardian - Money

WINTER WHEAT DAMAGE.; Private Condition Estimates Are Below the Average.

The New York Times

The average daily Central England Temperature was only 12.6C, 1.4C below the average for 1981-2010 but just 0.7C below the average for the whole series from 1659.

The Guardian

These are children whose height is considerably below the average for their age.

The Guardian

That fell well below the average analyst estimate of $167.2 million, according to Thomson Reuters.

The New York Times

A little above or a little below the average, you're fine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"For every inch that you're below the average height, you lose 2% of your income".

The Guardian

The average daily Central England Temperature was 16.2C, 0.5C below the average for 1981-2010.

The Guardian

About 1.29 billion shares changed hands, 7.5percentt below the average for the last three months.

The New York Times

The only months below the average temperature were March (England and Wales), April and November.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing performance, always specify what the average is based on. For example, clarify if it's a historical average, an industry average, or a peer group average.

Common error

Avoid using "below the average" without specifying what the average refers to. Without context, the phrase becomes vague and loses its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "below the average" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate a state of being less than a standard or typical value. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "below the average" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is less than the typical or expected value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across diverse sources, including news, science, and business. While versatile, it's essential to provide context to clarify what the average is based on. Alternatives such as "under the average" or "less than average" can be used interchangeably. Remember, while often used negatively, being below average isn't always a drawback; it depends on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the average

Uses 'under' instead of 'below', maintaining the same meaning of being less than the typical value.

less than average

Replaces 'below' with 'less than', offering a more direct synonym for the same concept.

lower than the norm

Substitutes 'average' with 'norm', emphasizing a deviation from what is considered standard.

subpar

A single-word adjective meaning 'below par' or not meeting the expected standard.

deficient

Indicates a lack or shortage, suggesting something is less than required or expected.

inferior to the mean

Uses 'inferior' to denote a lower quality or status compared to the average, and 'mean' as a statistical synonym for average.

falling short of the standard

Emphasizes the failure to reach a defined benchmark or expectation.

not up to par

An idiomatic expression indicating something is not at the expected level of quality or performance.

underperforming

Specifically describes something that is not performing as well as expected or as well as the average.

lacking in quality

Focuses on the deficiency in quality compared to what is typically expected.

FAQs

How can I use "below the average" in a sentence?

You can use "below the average" to describe something that is less than the typical or expected level. For example, "The team's performance this season has been below the average, leading to concerns about their chances in the playoffs."

What's a formal alternative to "below the average"?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "inferior to the mean" or "deficient" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always negative to be "below the average"?

While often used in negative contexts, being "below the average" isn't inherently bad. It simply indicates a position lower than the typical value. The implications depend on the specific situation and what is being measured. For instance, a company's emissions being below the average for its industry could be seen as a positive thing.

Which is correct: "below the average" or "under the average"?

Both "below the average" and "under the average" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.