be below par

be below par

To be below average; to be not as good as desired, required, or expected. This essay you turned in on Friday is really below par. Has something been distracting you from your studies recently? Our food was rather uninteresting, and the service was really below par. I honestly don't understand why this restaurant is so popular!See also: below, par

be below/under ˈpar

less well, good, etc. than is usual or expected: I’ve been feeling rather below par recently — I think it’s time I took a break. ♢ His performance at the concert was well under par.See also: below, par