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
This played out during the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis and subsequent economic recession.
—
The Conversation, Fortune, 12 June 2026
Once the distress of the subprime bubble worked its way out of the system, delinquencies and foreclosures hovered near rock-bottom lows for several years.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Co-signers can help subprime borrowers get approved for a loan or other form of debt and get better repayment terms.
—Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 9 June 2026
This played out during the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis and subsequent economic recession.
—Zac Taylor, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subprime
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The Conversation, Fortune, 12 June 2026
Once the distress of the subprime bubble worked its way out of the system, delinquencies and foreclosures hovered near rock-bottom lows for several years.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Co-signers can help subprime borrowers get approved for a loan or other form of debt and get better repayment terms.
—Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 9 June 2026
This played out during the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis and subsequent economic recession.
—Zac Taylor, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subprime
Cite this Entry
“Subprime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subprime. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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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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