subnormal
/sʌbˈnɔːrməl/
adjective
- Below the normal or average level, especially in ability, quality, or performance.
- Due to the drought, crop yields were subnormal this year.
- The doctor said his blood pressure was subnormal and needed monitoring.
- The student's test scores were subnormal compared to the rest of the class.
- Less than what is considered typical or expected in intelligence or development (often considered outdated or offensive when used about people).
- The old report used the term 'subnormal' to describe children with learning disabilities.
- The psychologist explained that the child's cognitive abilities were subnormal for his age.
- Many educators now avoid the word 'subnormal' because it can be hurtful.
Antonyms
noun
- A person whose intellectual or developmental abilities are below the average range (now considered outdated and potentially offensive).
- He wrote a book about the mistreatment of subnormals in asylums.
- The term 'subnormal' as a noun is no longer used in modern medicine.
- The institution was built to care for so-called 'subnormals' in the early 20th century.