countable/uncountable a level of quality or achievement, especially one that people generally consider normal or acceptablestandard of: higher standards of service in hospitals
raise/improve/lower standards: What can be done to raise standards in schools?
meet/achieve/conform to/comply with standards: They must supply water that complies with medical health standards.
set (someone) a standard: He sets himself high standards.
Laurence Olivier set the standard for (=was the best example of) acting in the 20th century.
below/not up to standard: The food was not up to standard.
of a high/low standard: She always produces work of a high standard.