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"Shoddy" vs. "substandard": parsing the nuances of quality

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 18/10/2024, 18:45
English.me team member
Shoddy and substandard. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both words describe something of low quality or inferior workmanship.

What is different?

Shoddy often implies a sense of deception or inferior material, sometimes with a connotation of being quickly or poorly made. Substandard refers more directly to something not meeting the expected or required standards.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for shoddy) and substandard

Examples of usage

Shoddy
  • The shoddy workmanship was evident in the loose stitches and uneven fabric.
  • After opening the package, I realized the product inside was shoddy and not worth the money.
  • They received complaints about the shoddy construction of the new homes.
Substandard
  • The inspector found the building's wiring to be substandard and unsafe.
  • Many people are forced to live in substandard housing due to high rents.
  • The substandard quality of the materials caused the project to be delayed.