poor quality
جودة رديئة
Use `poor quality` to describe anything that fails to meet basic standards of durability or craftsmanship.
في 15 ثانية
- Used to describe items that are badly made or easily broken.
- Works for both physical products and abstract services or work.
- A polite but firm way to express disappointment or criticism.
المعنى
This phrase describes something that is badly made, breaks easily, or doesn't work the way it should. It is like buying a toy that falls apart the moment you take it out of the box.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Reviewing a product online
I returned the shoes because they were of poor quality.
I returned the shoes because they were of poor quality.
Complaining to a friend about a movie
The special effects were such poor quality that I laughed.
The special effects were such poor quality that I laughed.
In a business meeting
We cannot release this software with such poor quality code.
We cannot release this software with such poor quality code.
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase became a staple of consumer advocacy in the mid-20th century as mass production increased. It reflects the Western cultural expectation of 'durability' and 'reliability' in manufactured goods. In modern times, it is frequently used in discussions about sustainability and the environmental impact of 'disposable' products.
The 'Of' Rule
You can say 'It is poor quality' or 'It is OF poor quality.' Adding 'of' makes you sound slightly more formal and educated.
Avoid for People
Never say a person is 'poor quality.' It sounds like you are judging their genetic makeup! Use 'unskilled' or 'unreliable' for people instead.
في 15 ثانية
- Used to describe items that are badly made or easily broken.
- Works for both physical products and abstract services or work.
- A polite but firm way to express disappointment or criticism.
What It Means
Poor quality is a straightforward way to say something is sub-standard. It means the materials used were cheap or the work was lazy. Think of a shirt that shrinks after one wash. Or a phone battery that dies in an hour. It is the opposite of high quality or premium goods.
How To Use It
You can use it as an adjective before a noun. For example, poor quality fabric. You can also use it after the verb to be. You might say, "This video is poor quality." It works for physical objects and abstract things like service or data. It is a very flexible tool for your English toolkit.
When To Use It
Use it when you are disappointed with a purchase. It is perfect for writing a customer review online. Use it in a meeting to discuss a project's flaws. It is also great for warning a friend about a bad brand. If a restaurant's food is cold and tasteless, this is your phrase. It sounds objective and honest without being too aggressive.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it to describe a person's character or soul. That would sound very strange and a bit robotic. Do not use it for high-end luxury items unless they are truly broken. If you are extremely angry, you might want a stronger word like trash or garbage. However, poor quality is safer for most situations. It keeps you sounding calm and professional even when you are annoyed.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, there is a big focus on "value for money." People expect things to last a reasonable amount of time. Calling something poor quality is a common way to express consumer rights. It is often used in the "fast fashion" debate. People worry about the poor quality of clothes that are meant to be thrown away quickly. It reflects a culture that values efficiency and durability.
Common Variations
You will often hear people say low quality instead. They are almost identical in meaning. You might also hear subpar in a more formal business setting. In very casual slang, someone might call a poor quality item cheesy or tacky. If it is a cheap imitation, they might call it a knock-off. Stick to poor quality for the best balance of clarity and politeness.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any context. It is a 'Level B1' staple because it allows you to complain or critique without being offensive.
The 'Of' Rule
You can say 'It is poor quality' or 'It is OF poor quality.' Adding 'of' makes you sound slightly more formal and educated.
Avoid for People
Never say a person is 'poor quality.' It sounds like you are judging their genetic makeup! Use 'unskilled' or 'unreliable' for people instead.
British vs American
In the UK, people might say 'rubbish' to mean poor quality. In the US, they might say 'cheap.' 'Poor quality' is the safe middle ground for both!
أمثلة
6I returned the shoes because they were of poor quality.
I returned the shoes because they were of poor quality.
A standard way to explain a return to a store.
The special effects were such poor quality that I laughed.
The special effects were such poor quality that I laughed.
Used here to describe digital work rather than a physical object.
We cannot release this software with such poor quality code.
We cannot release this software with such poor quality code.
Used to maintain professional standards in a workplace.
This keychain is poor quality; it broke in my pocket!
This keychain is poor quality; it broke in my pocket!
Expressing frustration over a small, cheap purchase.
The poor quality of these paper plates is a disaster waiting to happen.
The poor quality of these paper plates is a disaster waiting to happen.
Using the phrase to make a joke about a potential mess.
It was a nice gesture, but the sweater was unfortunately poor quality.
It was a nice gesture, but the sweater was unfortunately poor quality.
A gentle way to criticize something given with good intentions.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a bad umbrella.
I got soaked because my ___ quality umbrella broke in the wind.
`Poor quality` is the standard collocation for describing something that fails to function correctly.
Complete the customer feedback form.
The service at the hotel was of ___ quality.
We use `poor` as an adjective to modify the noun `quality`.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'Poor Quality'
Very informal/aggressive
This is trash.
The phrase 'poor quality'
This is poor quality.
Highly professional/technical
The workmanship is subpar.
Where to use 'Poor Quality'
Online Shopping
Writing a 1-star review.
Office Work
Critiquing a draft report.
Restaurant
Discussing bad food.
Streaming
Complaining about blurry video.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNot really. It is a factual way to describe an object. It is much more polite than calling something 'crap' or 'garbage.'
Yes! If the ingredients are not fresh, you can say the meal was poor quality.
The most common opposites are high quality, excellent quality, or premium.
Yes, low quality and poor quality are interchangeable. Poor quality often sounds a bit more descriptive of the failure.
Absolutely. It is a very common term in business and manufacturing reports to describe defects.
You can use it as a noun phrase: The poor quality of the materials caused the collapse.
Not exactly. Something can be cheap (low price) but still good. Poor quality specifically means it is bad.
Yes, if the writing or production is bad, you can say it is a poor quality production.
Yes, it's fine for texting, though friends might use shorter words like bad or cheap.
Don't say poorly quality. Poor must be an adjective here, not an adverb.
عبارات ذات صلة
Subpar
Below the average or expected standard.
Shoddy workmanship
Very specific term for something built or made badly.
Cheaply made
Focuses on the low cost of materials resulting in a bad product.
Not up to scratch
An idiom meaning something doesn't meet the required standard.
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