1. below the minimum level needed for profitability or effectiveness
Usage: economics; business
2. located near or below a margin or edge
Usage: technical; biology
3. of inferior quality or below acceptable standards

Examples

• The submarginal farmland was abandoned due to poor soil quality.
• Many small businesses operate at submarginal profit levels.
• The submarginal performance of the team led to coaching changes.
• Submarginal housing conditions affected the residents’ health.
• The company closed its submarginal production facilities.
• Scientists studied the submarginal areas of the forest ecosystem.
• The submarginal investment returns disappointed shareholders.