Mediocre
Of only average quality; not particularly good or bad; ordinary.
adjectiveMediocre
Of only average quality; not particularly good or bad; ordinary.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a restaurant menu where a dish is labeled 'Mediocre'—it's not awful, but it's unremarkable, leaving you unimpressed and shrugging for the next option.
Sounds Like
MEED-ee-uh-kor
Looks Like
Looks like the word 'medium' in both spelling and sense, hinting at middle quality.
Remember This
Etymology traces to French menétre médiocre and Latin mediocris, meaning 'middling' or 'of middle quality' (medius = middle).
Other Forms
Connect With
average, ordinary, middling, fair, adequate
Note
Use carefully when talking about performance or products; it can sound blunt if aimed at a person. For harsher critique, use 'unimpressive' or 'lacking in quality'; for gentler critique, 'adequate' or 'passable' may fit better.
Study Deeper
- The film received mediocre reviews, with critics calling it competently made but uninspired.
- Her presentation was mediocre at best, lacking clarity and energy.
From French médiocre, from Latin mediocris meaning 'middling, average,' from medius 'middle'.
Mnemonic: Middle quality. Mediocre literally signals being in the middle of the quality spectrum—neither excellent nor terrible.
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