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Added 9 October 2026

mediocre

/ˌmiːdɪˈəʊkə/ adjective

In Latin: mediocris Wiktionary

adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about mediocre at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Moderate to inferior in quality.
they improved the quality from mediocre to above average
Lacking exceptional quality or ability.
a novel of average merit
Poor to middling in quality.
there have been good and mediocre and bad artists

Origin

From the late Middle English medioker, from the French médiocre, from the Middle French médiocre, from the Classical Latin mediocris (“in a middle state”, “of middle size”, “middling”, “moderate”, “ordinary”, from medius (“middle”) + ocris (“rugged mountain”)); compare mediocrely and mediocrity.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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