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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subnormal was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subnormal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subnormal. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

subnormal

adjective
: being lower, smaller, or less than what is considered normal
subnormal temperatures

Medical Definition

subnormal

adjective
1
: lower or smaller than normal
a subnormal temperature
2
: having less of something and especially of intelligence than is normal
subnormality noun
plural subnormalities

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