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
He told an inquest into Mr Gannon's death that the actions of the service had fallen below standard and had "tragic consequences" for Lee and his family.
From BBC • Sep. 16, 2025
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
