below par

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They are so rarely below par but, on this occasion, a poor start cost them.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

Though Scotland's score always looked 20 runs below par, England were troubled at one stage.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

After performing well below par when edging Tanzania in the opening round, Nigeria were a transformed team against Tunisia, dominating the first 30 minutes in the northern city.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025

Frimpong and Kerkez have struggled at full-back and even captain Virgil van Dijk has been below par as Liverpool find themselves targeted by a barrage of long balls.

From Barron's • Oct. 26, 2025

As the only black player on the squad, I was overly self-conscious at first and performed below par.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane