mediocre

mediocre — 形容詞

1. not reaching a good standard; being only average or somewhat poor in quality, sk

1.形容詞B2
釋義

平庸的

品質或能力普通，不突出

not reaching a good standard; being only average or somewhat poor in quality, skill, or performance, so that the result is neither impressive nor satisfying.

例句

Last night's concert was mediocre at best, and many fans left early.

昨晚的音樂會頂多只能算平庸，許多粉絲提早離場。

collocation: mediocre at best

Aarav gave a mediocre presentation that failed to impress the investors.

Aarav 的簡報內容平庸，未能打動投資人。

同義詞
  • ordinary

    neutral; simply means not special, without the negative judgement that mediocre carries.

  • average

    neutral and factual; refers to the statistical middle, whereas mediocre implies disappointment.

  • second-rate

    more clearly negative; suggests clearly inferior quality rather than merely unimpressive.

  • middling

    slightly old-fashioned; can be neutral or mildly negative depending on context.

反義詞
  • outstanding

    far above average, while mediocre is below what is expected.

  • excellent

    of very high quality, the opposite end of the quality spectrum from mediocre.

  • superb

    means extremely good, whereas mediocre means disappointingly ordinary.

文法句型

be mediocre

mediocre + noun

be mediocre at + noun/gerund

用法筆記

Mediocre carries a distinctly negative judgement — it suggests disappointed expectations, unlike the neutral word 'average.' Often used in criticism, evaluations, and reviews. Adding 'very' before 'mediocre' is uncommon; use 'rather mediocre' or 'thoroughly mediocre' instead.

常見錯誤

❌The hotel was average, not very good.
✅The hotel was mediocre.
💡'average' is neutral; use 'mediocre' when you mean the quality is disappointing.
❌She is a very mediocre singer.
✅She is a rather mediocre singer.' or 'She is a thoroughly mediocre singer.
💡'very mediocre' sounds unnatural; use 'rather' or 'thoroughly' instead.
❌He is a mediocre student' (when trying to be gentle).
✅He is an average student.
💡'mediocre' sounds harsh when describing a person directly.