Word
mediocrity
Phoneticsmedi·ocrity
US/ˌmidiˈɑkɹəti/
UK/mˌiːdɪˈɒkɹɪti/
Definitions
01average quality
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the state of being just average or ordinary, especially when something should be better.
n. the quality or state of being mediocre; an unremarkable level of ability or achievement that often implies a lack of excellence.
“The restaurant was expensive, but the food was just mediocrity at its worst.”
“The critic lamented the general mediocrity of modern cinema, arguing that studios were prioritizing safe profits over artistic innovation.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02an unremarkable person
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a person who does not have much talent or who has not achieved anything special.
n. a person of second-rate abilities or unremarkable accomplishments.
“He was a mediocrity who only got the job because of his father.”
“History rarely remembers the countless mediocrities who occupied minor administrative roles, focusing instead on the visionary leaders of the era.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a middle state
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Archaic
n. a middle state between two extremes.
n. the quality of being intermediate between two extremes; a middle state or mean.
“In the old books, the author praised a life of mediocrity and balance.”
“The philosopher argued for a golden mediocrity, suggesting that true virtue lies in avoiding the excesses of both asceticism and indulgence.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA City’s path changed in 2008 from one of mediocrity to a world of priceless moments and successes that fans were right to celebrate.” “Elsewhere, we shrug, accepting our own ordinariness or mediocrity.” “Because it’s an easier city to live in, people are less stressed.”
She founded a campaign group called Xplain seven years ago to save the city she loved from the “mediocrities” running the council.” Etymology
From Middle French médiocrité, from Latin mediocritās, from mediocris; by surface analysis, mediocre + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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