below standard

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.

“When you hear that you’re 20 below standard, you don’t know if that’s really close to meeting your goal or way, way below. And so that’s why those proficiency levels are so really important.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2026

But Dallas general manager Nico Harrison deemed his cardiovascular fitness below standard and sent him packing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 25, 2025

"I guess there's been occasions with individuals throughout my time that have been below standard," the 28-year-old added.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2023

Empty seats can deliver an especially hard punch to carriers that charge below standard fare.

From Washington Post • Apr. 19, 2022

When these sixth-grade students reached seventh grade, they averaged 5.5—more than two grade levels below standard and even worse than they did in sixth grade.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt