Definition

Not very good; just average or ordinary in quality or performance.

Example

The movie was mediocre, not bad but not great either.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

I just finished that book you recommended, but honestly, it was pretty mediocre.

Really? I thought it had some interesting ideas.

Yeah, but the writing felt mediocre and didn’t really engage me.

That’s fair; sometimes the story just doesn’t hit the mark.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mediocre → It is formed from "medius" (meaning middle) and "ocris" (meaning rugged or rough). The word "mediocre" originally described something that is of only moderate quality, situated in the middle of the spectrum between good and bad.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is just 'in the middle' — 'medius' means middle, and 'ocris' refers to something rough. This helps you remember that 'mediocre' describes something of average or moderate quality.

Visually Confused Words