Mediocre
/ˌmiːdiˈoʊkər/
Definitions
Of only average quality; not very good.
/ˌmiːdiˈoʊkər/
Of only moderate quality; not very good.
The movie received mediocre reviews, with critics calling the plot uninspired.
💡 Simply: Imagine you order a pizza. It's not the best pizza you've ever had, but it's also not the worst. It's just... okay. That's mediocre! Like when you get a B on a test—it's not an A, but it's not an F either.
👶 For kids: When something is just okay, not super good or super bad. Like a drawing that is not perfect.
More Examples
The team's performance was mediocre, and they lost the game.
The food at the diner was mediocre at best, lacking in flavor and presentation.
How It's Used
"The restaurant received a mediocre review from the critic."
"His test scores were mediocre, but he showed potential."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *mediocris*, meaning 'of middle quality, ordinary', from *medius* ('middle').
The word 'mediocre' has been used since the 16th century and gained popularity in the 18th-19th centuries, often used in literary criticism.
Memory tip
Think of a 'medium' score – not great, not terrible, just *mediocre*.
Word Origin
"of middle quality"