WordValesubprime
lending to borrowers with weak credit histories
In more detail
1. (adjective) relating to loans given to people with poor credit histories, who are considered risky borrowers
2. (adjective) of lower quality or below an acceptable standard
Examples
- 1. Many subprime mortgages were issued before the 2008 financial crisis.
- 2. The company's subprime customer service led to many complaints.
How to use subprime
Subprime is primarily used in financial contexts to describe loans or borrowers with poor credit histories or high default risk, though it can also mean generally inferior quality. It carries a negative connotation and is often used formally in economic analysis and policy discussion. The term became particularly prominent following the 2008 financial crisis.
Common phrases
- subprime mortgage
- subprime lending
- subprime borrower
- subprime crisis
- subprime market
Synonyms
high-risk · risky · inferior · below-par · second-rate
Opposites
prime · high-quality · creditworthy
Word family
subprime mortgage · subprime lender
A common mistake
Learners sometimes assume subprime applies only to mortgages, but it is also used for auto loans, credit cards, and other lending products where borrowers have weak credit profiles.
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