The term 'lower standard' can be defined as 'INFERIOR, ' which is an 8-letter word. Lower standards refer to a lower quality or level of something, such as a product, service, or performance. This could mean that the product is of a lower quality than expected, the service is not up to par, or the performance is below average. Lower standards can also refer to a decrease in the amount of effort put into something, resulting in a lower quality outcome.