Below/under par Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Health Status Often used to describe someone not feeling well or lacking energy. I can't join you for the run; I'm a bit under par today. Pro Tip 2/3Subjective Assessment The phrase can be subjective based on personal expectations or standards. Her presentation was under par, at least by her usual high standards. Pro Tip 3/3Work Quality Describes suboptimal performance in professional or academic work. His latest project was criticized for being under par.