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be subpar

[/bi ˈsʌbpɑr/]
verb phrase
ser abaixo do esperado / ser inferior
1. to be of poor quality or below an acceptable standard
The restaurant's service was subpar last night.
O serviço do restaurante estava abaixo do esperado ontem à noite.
2. to fail to meet expectations or requirements
His performance on the exam was subpar.
Seu desempenho na prova foi inferior ao esperado.
NYC Slang
be weak / be trash / suck
Synonyms
be below standardbe inadequatebe mediocrefall shortunderperform
Antonyms
be excellentbe superiorexceed expectationsbe outstanding

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser abaixo do padrão / ser inferior
most common usage
São Paulo
ser ruim / deixar a desejar
informal colloquial usage
Rio de Janeiro
ser fraco / ser inferior
casual spoken usage
Portugal
ser abaixo do padrão / ser deficiente
formal and informal usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

below the belt
not up to scratch
not up to snuff
fall below par
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