well below par

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well below par" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is significantly lower than the expected standard or quality. Example: "The team's performance this season has been well below par, leading to their early exit from the playoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

After traveling from London, Trump was greeted Friday by a paraglider circling around his Turnberry resort displaying a Greenpeace sign that read "TRUMP: WELL BELOW PAR.

Huffington Post

Chelsea, meanwhile, is performing well below par.

The New York Times

Sorry chaps, but these clownish looks are well below par.

Independent

"We were well below par and fell to pieces," said Gary Cahill.

The Guardian - Sport

The drop in scoring efficiency across Chelsea's attacking department takes them well below par.

The Guardian - Sport

I thought Leicester were outstanding on the day but we were well below par.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Gasoline mileage was below par, as well.

The New York Times

"Lewis Hill played really well, but I think we kept them to what we think is a below par score".

BBC

Do you have silly excuses for a below par performance?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The more the film drifts towards blockbuster spectacle, the more banal it is: by the end, it might as well be a below-par X-Men episode.

Independent

Cardiff manager Russell Slade: "The whole changing room is very disappointed because we got a terrific result last week, trained really well but were below par today.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well below par" to clearly and concisely communicate that something is significantly underperforming or failing to meet expectations. It is suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly when discussing performance, quality, or standards.

Common error

While "well below par" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "significantly substandard" or "substantially inferior" for such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well below par" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is significantly underperforming or of lower quality than expected. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in contexts ranging from sports to economics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Sport

17%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "well below par" is a common and acceptable adjective phrase used to describe something significantly underperforming or of lower quality than expected. As Ludwig AI highlights, it’s suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and sports reporting. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in highly academic or professional settings. Remember to focus on clarity and precision when using this phrase to effectively convey your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far from satisfactory

Emphasizes the level of inadequacy compared to the original phrase.

considerably substandard

Highlights the deficiency in quality or performance.

significantly deficient

Focuses on the marked absence of a required or expected quality.

not up to snuff

An informal expression conveying inadequacy or failure to meet requirements.

substantially inferior

Highlights a lower rank or quality compared to what is expected or standard.

way off the mark

Indicates a significant deviation from the desired or correct outcome or standard.

falling short

Emphasizes the failure to reach a particular standard or expectation.

nowhere near good enough

Expresses strong dissatisfaction and a clear lack of required quality.

quite inadequate

Highlights the insufficient nature of something for a specific purpose or expectation.

poorly executed

Focuses on the lack of skill or quality in the performance or implementation of something.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "well below par"?

It means that something is performing or measuring significantly lower than the expected standard or average. It indicates a notable deficiency in quality or performance.

Are there any formal alternatives to "well below par"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you could use phrases such as "significantly substandard", "substantially inferior", or "far from satisfactory".

How can I use "well below par" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe performance, quality, or standards that are not meeting expectations. For example, "The team's performance this season has been "well below par"."

Is "below par" the same as "well below par"?

While both indicate that something is not up to standard, ""well below par"" suggests a more significant or noticeable deviation from the expected level than simply "below par".