How to Pronounce Substandard

To pronounce "substandard", say SUBST-and-ard — 3 syllables, IPA /ˌsʌbˈstændəd/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

substandard

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/ˌsʌbˈstændəd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “substandard”

"substandard" has 3 syllables: subst-and-ard. It rhymes with standard and meandered, if that helps it stick.

What does substandard mean?

adjective

Of inferior quality; not meeting the minimum quality requirements.
“They built this with substandard parts. No wonder it collapsed.”
Not conforming to the standard variety; nonstandard.

Hear “substandard” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with substandard

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

standard meandered slandered nonstandard gerrymandered glandered pandered

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "substandard"?▾

"Substandard" has 3 syllables: subst · and · ard.

What is the IPA transcription of "substandard"?▾

The IPA transcription of "substandard" is /ˌsʌbˈstændəd/.

What does "substandard" mean?▾

Substandard: Of inferior quality; not meeting the minimum quality requirements.

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