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
Increasingly, passing grades were gotten by making subprime home loans.
—
John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
In fact, levels of new housing construction have consistently fallen short, year after year, ever since the subprime housing bubble burst almost two decades ago.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 25 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for subprime
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John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
In fact, levels of new housing construction have consistently fallen short, year after year, ever since the subprime housing bubble burst almost two decades ago.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 25 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for subprime
Cite this Entry
“Subprime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subprime. Accessed 6 Aug. 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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