SUBAVERAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Subaverage is an adjective that describes something or someone who falls below the norm or average in terms of quality, performance, or ability. The term is typically used to indicate a level of competence or achievement that is considered to be lower or less than what is expected or desired.
When referring to academic or intellectual abilities, subaverage often describes individuals who exhibit cognitive functioning or performance that is below average or typical for their age group. It can be used to describe below-average intelligence or a lack of proficiency in certain subjects or skills.
In the context of sports or athletics, subaverage refers to athletes or teams performing below the average or expected level. This might involve lower scores, slower times, or fewer achievements compared to their competitors.
The term subaverage can also be applied to goods or products that fail to meet the usual or expected quality standards. For example, a subaverage product may have defects, flaws, or deficiencies that make it less effective or desirable compared to other similar products.
Overall, subaverage is a term used to highlight or classify something or someone that is below the average or desired level of performance, ability, or quality in various areas of life.
Etymology of SUBAVERAGE
The word "subaverage" is formed by combining the prefix "sub-" and the word "average".
The prefix "sub-" is derived from the Latin preposition "sub", which means "under" or "below". It is commonly used in English to indicate inferiority, below standard, or lower in position.
The word "average" originates from the Arabic term "awar", meaning "damaged goods" or "defective merchandise", which then passed into Medieval Latin as "averagium" in the 12th century. Originally used in commercial contexts to refer to a sharing of costs or dividing goods, it later evolved to mean a typical or usual amount or level.
By combining the prefix "sub-" with the word "average", we get "subaverage", which means below average or inferior to the norm.
