- 1[countable, uncountable] standard (of something) a level of quality, especially one that people think is acceptable a fall in academic standards We aim to maintain high standards of customer care. The standard of this year's applications is very low. He failed to reach the required standard, and did not qualify for the race. Her work is not up to standard (= of a good enough standard). Who sets the standard for water quality? A number of local beaches fail to meet the county's standards for cleanliness. In the shanty towns there are very poor living standards. see standard of living, substandard
- 2[countable, usually plural] a level of quality that is normal or acceptable for a particular person or in a particular situation You'd better lower your standards if you want to find somewhere cheap to live. It was a simple meal by Eddie's standards. The equipment is slow and heavy by modern standards.
- 3standards [plural] a level of behavior that someone considers to be morally acceptable a man of high moral standards Standards aren't what they used to be. see double standard unit of measurement
- 4[countable] a unit of measurement that is officially used; an official rule used when producing something a reduction in the weight standard of silver coins industry standards see gold standard flag
- 5[countable] a flag that is used during official ceremonies, especially one connected with a particular military group song
- 6[countable] a song that has been recorded by many different singers
level of quality
Check pronunciation: standard