When it comes to describing something that is 'below expectation', there are a few synonyms that can help better grasp the meaning of the phrase. Some of these include 'unsatisfactory', 'underperforming', 'poor', 'subpar', 'disappointing' and 'inadequate'. Other synonyms that could be used to convey a similar meaning include 'less than ideal', 'unsuitable', 'deficient', 'not up to par', and 'falling short'. These words can be especially useful when expressing disappointment or when trying to provide constructive feedback. Using one of these synonyms can help convey the message more effectively, while still remaining professional and polite.