subprime


sub·prime

S5920650 (sŭb′prīm′)adj. Relating to loans that have a high interest rate and high risk of default.
[sub- + prime (from the fact that loans with high interest rates are offered to nonpreferred or less creditworthy borrowers).]

subprime

(ˈsʌbˌpraɪm) adj (Banking & Finance) (of a loan) made to a borrower with a poor credit rating, usually at a high rate of interestn (Banking & Finance) a loan made to a borrower with a poor credit rating

subprime

A term used to refer to any loan or credit product with terms and conditions that are less stringent than normal. For example, a mortgage product designed to be made available to customers with poor credit histories may be described as a subprime mortgage.”