subprime

adjective

sub·​prime ˈsəb-ˌprīm How to pronounce subprime (audio)
1
: having or being an interest rate that is higher than a prime rate and is extended chiefly to a borrower who has a poor credit rating or is judged to be a potentially high risk for default (as due to low income)
subprime mortgages
a subprime loan
2
: extending or obtaining a subprime loan
subprime lenders
subprime borrowers

Examples of subprime in a Sentence

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.
Perhaps, commercial real estate, subprime mortgages, DeFi? — Nina Bambysheva, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 The research found that while 50.8% of subprime borrowers are seriously delinquent, just 0.9% of those with super prime credit scores are behind. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 5 May 2025 Over the past 18 months, Upstart has added prime loans, HELOCs, small-dollar loans, and has enhanced its auto loan product, expanding its addressable market beyond subprime borrowers and reducing its reliance on riskier credit segments. — Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025 For those with fair or poor credit scores (anything below 670 FICO), the interest rates for personal loans can be similar to — or even higher than — your current rates, especially for subprime borrowers. — Christina Majaski, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subprime

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subprime was in 1995

Rhymes for subprime

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Browse Nearby Words

subprimate
subprime
subprincipal
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Cite this Entry

“Subprime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subprime. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

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Legal Definition

subprime

adjective
sub·​prime ˈsəb-ˌprīm How to pronounce subprime (audio)
1
: having or being an interest rate that is higher than a prime rate and is extended especially to low-income borrowers
subprime mortgages
2
: extending or obtaining a subprime loan
subprime lenders
subprime borrowers

More from Merriam-Webster on subprime

Nglish: Translation of subprime for Spanish Speakers

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