mediocrities

IPA/ˌmiː.diˈɒk.rə.ti/
IPA/ˌmiː.diˈɑː.krə.t̬i/

mediocrities — noun

  • mediocritiessingular
  • mediocritiesesplural

1. the state or condition of being only average or slightly below average in qualit

1.名詞B2
釋義

the state or condition of being only average or slightly below average in quality, ability, or value — not especially bad but far from excellent or impressive.

例句

Emily left the film disappointed by the overall mediocrity of the acting and script.

uncountable noun: mediocrity + of + [noun phrase]

The coach pushed the players hard, refusing to accept any mediocrity on the field.

同義詞
反義詞

用法筆記

Frequently uncountable in this sense; you cannot say 'a mediocrity' when referring to quality. The countable form belongs to sense 2.

常見錯誤

❌The food was a mediocrity.
✅The food was mediocre.' or 'The food was of mediocrity.
💡'mediocrity' as a quality is uncountable; use the adjective 'mediocre' instead.

2. a person who has only ordinary or below-average ability and does not stand out i

2.名詞C1
釋義

a person who has only ordinary or below-average ability and does not stand out in any particular field or activity.

例句

The committee was full of mediocrities who simply nodded at every proposal from management.

plural: full of mediocrities

Iker worked twice as hard as the mediocrities around him, hoping a promotion would finally come.

同義詞
  • nobody

    more informal and general; suggests lack of fame or importance

  • nonentity

    stronger dismissal, implies the person has no influence or significance

  • lightweight

    informal, implies lack of intellectual or professional substance

反義詞
  • genius

    someone with exceptional natural ability

  • star

    someone who stands out brightly in their field

用法筆記

Usually appears in the plural form 'mediocrities'. The singular 'a mediocrity' is possible but far less common and can sound literary or dismissive.

常見錯誤

❌The manager surrounded herself with mediocres.
✅The manager surrounded herself with mediocrities.
💡the noun form is 'mediocrity' (plural 'mediocrities'); 'mediocre' is an adjective, not a noun.