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Definition of mediocre

mediocre

/ˌmiːdiˈoʊkər/
me · di · o · cre
Adverb:mediocrely
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mediocre Lexical Profile

mediocre Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Of only moderate or average quality; not very good; undistinguished or disappointing.

Example

"Despite the expensive marketing campaign, the film received lukewarm reviews for its mediocre plot."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mediocre
Antonyms
View all antonyms for mediocre

Word Nuance & Usage

Although etymologically meaning 'average' or 'middle', in modern English 'mediocre' carries a distinctly negative connotation of disappointing or barely adequate quality rather than neutral averageness.

• Rhymes for mediocre

• Nearby Words

medigap
medina
medinilla
mediocre
mediocrely
mediocrity
meditate

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Middle French médiocre, from Latin mediocris ('of middle height or degree'), literally 'halfway up a rugged mountain', formed from medius ('middle') and ocris ('jagged mountain').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mediocre. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mediocre
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