Definition of Mediocre
Quick Meaning of Mediocre
Neither good nor bad; just ordinary or acceptable, nothing special.
Detailed Definition of Mediocre
Not very good; average in quality; not excellent or impressive.
How to Pronounce Mediocre
Stress pattern: ooOo (4-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: me-di-O-ker. The 'o' sounds like the vowel in 'go'.
Watch out: Mispronouncing it as med-ee-OCK-er or placing stress on first syllable.
Origin and Etymology of Mediocre
From Latin 'mediocris': of middle rank or quality.
How to Use Mediocre in a Sentence
Each example shows “mediocre” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The restaurant served mediocre food that was neither tasty nor terrible.”
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“Her exam results were mediocre, so she decided to study harder.”
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“The film received mediocre reviews from critics despite its famous actors.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Mediocre
Common Synonyms for Mediocre
Smart Synonyms for Mediocre — When to Use Each
- average
- for describing overall quality level
- ordinary
- when emphasizing lack of distinction
- passable
- for something meeting basic needs only
- adequate
- for minimum requirements being met
Antonyms of Mediocre
Common Collocations with Mediocre
These phrases pair with “mediocre” in everyday English:
- mediocre performance
- mediocre quality
- mediocre results
Common Mistakes When Using Mediocre
Even fluent speakers slip up with “mediocre”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The service was very mediocre and bad.
- ✓ Correct: The service was mediocre.
- Why: Mediocre already implies 'not very good', so adding 'bad' is redundant.
- ✗ Wrong: She gave a modest performance in the play.
- ✓ Correct: She gave a mediocre performance in the play.
- Why: Modest means humble; mediocre means of low quality. Wrong word choice here.
Words Confused With Mediocre
- Mediocre vs Modest: Modest means humble; mediocre means of average quality.
Other Forms of Mediocre
- Noun: mediocrity
- Adjective: mediocre
- Adverb: mediocrely
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediocre
What is the meaning of "Mediocre"?
Neither good nor bad; just ordinary or acceptable, nothing special.
How do you pronounce "Mediocre"?
The IPA is /ˌmediˈoʊkər/. Stress the second syllable: me-di-O-ker. The 'o' sounds like the vowel in 'go'.
What part of speech is "Mediocre"?
"Mediocre" is an adjective at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Mediocre"?
Common synonyms include average, ordinary, decent.
How do you use "Mediocre" in a sentence?
For example: "The restaurant served mediocre food that was neither tasty nor terrible."