Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Mediocrity

Meˊdi-oc′ri-ty

,
Noun.
[F.
médiocrité
, L.
mediocritas
.]
1.
The quality of being mediocre; a middle state or degree; a moderate degree or rate.
“A mediocrity of success.”
Bacon.
2.
Moderation; temperance.
[Obs.]
Hooker.

Webster 1828 Edition


Mediocrity

MEDIOC'RITY

,
Noun.
[L.mediocritas, from mediocris, middling; medius,middle.]
1.
A middle state or degree; a moderate degree or rate. A mediocrity of condition is most favorable to morals and happiness. A mediocrity of talents well employed will generally ensure respectability.
Men of age seldom drive business home to the full period, but content themselves with a mediocrity of success.
2.
Moderation; temperance.
We owe obedience to the law of reason, which teacheth mediocrity in meats and drinks.

Definition 2024


mediocrity

mediocrity

English

Noun

mediocrity (countable and uncountable, plural mediocrities)

  1. (now rare) The quality of being intermediate between two extremes; a mean.
  2. (obsolete) A middle course of action; moderation, balance.
    • 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, New York Review Books 2001, p.273:
      In adversity I wish for prosperity, and in prosperity I am afraid of adversity. What mediocrity may be found?
  3. (uncountable) The condition of being mediocre; having only an average degree of quality, skills etc.; no better than standard.
  4. An individual with mediocre abilities or achievements.

Related terms

Translations

Anagrams