subprime
adjective
sub·prime
ˈsəb-ˌprīm 
1
: having or being an interest rate that is higher than a prime rate and is extended chiefly to a borrower who has a poor credit rating or is judged to be a potentially high risk for default (as due to low income)
subprime mortgages
a subprime loan
2
: extending or obtaining a subprime loan
subprime lenders
subprime borrowers
Examples of subprime in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Credit Is Weakening From The Middle This is no longer just about subprime risk.
—
Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
But payday lenders say the legislation is needed to fill a gap in Indiana's current lending options and to provide a pathway to better credit for subprime borrowers.
—Tony Cook, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Over the course of seven days following his April 2 announcement, the S&P 500 lost more than 12%, a decline not typically seen outside of extreme events like the Covid-19 pandemic and the subprime mortgage crisis of 2008.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 4 May 2025
Steve Eisman, the investor who called the subprime mortgage crisis, said fears of the massive size of the federal budget deficit may be overblown.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subprime
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Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
But payday lenders say the legislation is needed to fill a gap in Indiana's current lending options and to provide a pathway to better credit for subprime borrowers.
—Tony Cook, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Over the course of seven days following his April 2 announcement, the S&P 500 lost more than 12%, a decline not typically seen outside of extreme events like the Covid-19 pandemic and the subprime mortgage crisis of 2008.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 4 May 2025
Steve Eisman, the investor who called the subprime mortgage crisis, said fears of the massive size of the federal budget deficit may be overblown.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subprime
Cite this Entry
“Subprime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subprime. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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subprime
adjective
sub·prime
ˈsəb-ˌprīm
1
: having or being an interest rate that is higher than a prime rate and is extended especially to low-income borrowers
subprime mortgages
2
: extending or obtaining a subprime loan
subprime lenders
subprime borrowers
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