Definitions For Subprime

Noun

SUBPRIME (plural SUBPRIMEs) A subprime loan.

Adjective

(not comparable) Less than prime; inferior. (US, banking) (now worldwide) Designating a loan (typically at a greater than usual rate of interest) offered to a borrower who is not qualified for other loans (for example, because of a poor credit history). (US, banking, dated) Designating a type of commercial lending rate, less than the prime rate, offered to desirable borrowers.

Further reading

American Dialect Society's

Etymology

sub + prime

See also

appendix:american dialect society words of the year