Of only ordinary or moderate quality; barely adequate (adjective)
Looking for the answer to the USA Today Rootonym clue “Of only ordinary or moderate quality; barely adequate (adjective)”? The solution is MEDIOCRE, a 8-letter word built on the root MEDI (“middle, between”). It appeared in the June 15, 2026 (Monday) USA Today Rootonym. See the full puzzle for that day's other words.
Answer
MEDIOCRE
MEDI****MEDImeans “middle, between”
In a sentence
The restaurant closed because of its MEDIOCRE food, high prices and poor service.
About this clue
The Rootonym clue “Of only ordinary or moderate quality; barely adequate (adjective)” has the answer MEDIOCRE (8 letters), built on the root MEDI, which means “middle, between”. Browse the full June 15, 2026 Rootonym puzzle for the other three words, or see all Rootonym answers.