subprime
subprime Lexical Profile
subprime Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to or denoting credit or loan arrangements extended to borrowers with a poor credit history, typically carrying a higher interest rate to compensate for the increased risk of default.
"The sudden collapse of the subprime mortgage market triggered a severe global economic downturn."
Having a low credit rating and therefore considered at higher risk of defaulting on a loan.
"Many subprime borrowers struggled to keep up with their monthly payments once the adjustable interest rates rose."
• noun
A subprime loan, mortgage, or financial sector.
"Investors who were heavily exposed to subprime suffered massive losses when housing prices fell."
• Rhymes for subprime
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in American financial terminology in the mid-20th century from the prefix sub- ('below') and prime (referring to the 'prime rate' or highest-quality borrowers), gaining widespread global usage during the 2007–2008 financial crisis.