subnormal

[suhb-nawr-muh l] /sʌbˈnɔr məl/
adjective
1.
below the normal; less than or inferior to the normal:
a subnormal amount of rain.
2.
being less than average in any psychological trait, as intelligence, personality, or emotional adjustment.
noun
3.
a subnormal person.
4.
Geometry. that part of the x-axis of a curve cut off between the ordinate and a normal.
Origin
1700-10; sub- + normal
Related forms
subnormality, noun
Can be confused
abnormal, subnormal.
Examples from the web for subnormal
  • The inventories are in good condition and the raw materials include minimal obsolete or subnormal goods.
British Dictionary definitions for subnormal

subnormal

/sʌbˈnɔːməl/
adjective
1.
less than the normal
2.
having a low intelligence, esp having an IQ of less than 70
noun
3.
a subnormal person
Derived Forms
subnormality (ˌsʌbnɔːˈmælɪtɪ) noun
subnormally, adverb
Word Origin and History for subnormal
adj.

1890, from sub- + normal. The noun is from 1710 in geometry; 1916, of persons.