ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈäkrəd.ē, -ətē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English mediocrite, from Middle French mediocrité, from Latin mediocritat-, mediocritas, from mediocris mediocre + -tat, -tas, -ty
1. archaic : the quality or state of being intermediate between extremes or a quality, condition, position, or degree that is intermediate: as
a. : moderation of conduct : avoidance of excess or extremes : temperance
b. : ability or endowment in modest degree
c. : modest fortune : limited or less than ample means
2. : average capacity or worth regarded as dull, uninspired, or poor : conspicuous lack of distinction or excellence : inferiority
not ordinary mediocrity this, but planned, engineered mediocrity — and the social engineer's jargon is the measure of it — W.H.Whyte
3. : a person of no outstanding distinction
a most intelligent middle-aged mediocrity — Oscar Wilde
shone among the mediocrities who surrounded him