subnormal
adjective
sub·nor·mal
ˌsəb-ˈnȯr-məl 
1
: lower or smaller than normal
2
: having less of something and especially of intelligence than is normal
Examples of subnormal in a Sentence
subnormal levels of vitamin C
people who are subnormal in insulin production
Recent Examples on the Web
Quite simply, normal human consciousness is optimized for normal human functioning, but is subnormal for achieving goals beyond the ordinary.
—
Brett Steenbarger, Forbes, 30 May 2021
Flow off the 50-degree waters of Lake Michigan will bring our first subnormal temperatures in 10 days.
—Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 31 May 2018
Everybody knew that comics were for children and for intellectually subnormal people, whereas graphic novel sounds like a much more sophisticated proposition.
—Adam Rogers, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2009
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Brett Steenbarger, Forbes, 30 May 2021
Flow off the 50-degree waters of Lake Michigan will bring our first subnormal temperatures in 10 days.
—Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, 31 May 2018
Everybody knew that comics were for children and for intellectually subnormal people, whereas graphic novel sounds like a much more sophisticated proposition.
—Adam Rogers, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2009
Cite this Entry
“Subnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subnormal. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subnormal
adjective
sub·nor·mal
ˌsəb-ˈnȯr-məl
ˈsəb-
: being lower, smaller, or less than what is considered normal
subnormal temperatures
Medical Definition
subnormal
adjective
sub·nor·mal
ˌsəb-ˈnȯr-məl
1
: lower or smaller than normal
a subnormal temperature
2
: having less of something and especially of intelligence than is normal
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