English · Word Candidate

mediocre

/ˌmiːdɪˈəʊkə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: mediocres

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Not excellent or outstanding, usually disappointingly so.

Adjective

Examples

I'm pretty good at tennis but only mediocre at racquetball.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A person of minor significance, accomplishment or acclaim; a common and undistinguished person.

Noun

Examples

Of the hundreds of inferior poets, who are continually offering their sonnets and addresses to the Moon, (or to the public instead of that luminary,) Wade, Barton, Wiffen, and Bailey, are the most conspicuous. Wade is a new aspirant, but gives strong prognostications of genius. Barton and Bailey are

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A member of a socioeconomic class between the upper ranks of society and the agricultural workers.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “mediocre” mean?

Not excellent or outstanding, usually disappointingly so.

Is “mediocre” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.