poor condition
حالة سيئة
Use it to honestly describe something broken or worn out without sounding overly negative or rude.
In 15 Sekunden
- Describes items that are damaged, worn, or poorly maintained.
- Used for physical objects, buildings, or general health states.
- A polite, objective way to say something is in bad shape.
Bedeutung
This phrase describes something that is broken, worn out, or hasn't been taken care of properly. It's like saying a car is falling apart or an old book has torn pages.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Buying a used car
The engine is fine, but the interior is in poor condition.
The engine is fine, but the interior is in poor condition.
Reporting a road issue
The local roads are in poor condition after the winter storm.
The local roads are in poor condition after the winter storm.
Talking about an old book
I found a first edition, but it's in such poor condition that the pages fall out.
I found a first edition, but it's in such poor condition that the pages fall out.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is a staple of the 'thrift' and 'vintage' economy in the US and UK. It acts as a legal and social safeguard in marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist to prevent disputes. Interestingly, what one person calls 'poor condition,' a vintage collector might call 'distressed' or 'charming.'
The 'In' Rule
Always remember to use the preposition 'in' before the phrase. You say 'in poor condition,' never 'with poor condition.'
Don't be too blunt
If a friend shows you their new (but ugly) car, saying it's in 'poor condition' might hurt their feelings. Use it for facts, not opinions!
In 15 Sekunden
- Describes items that are damaged, worn, or poorly maintained.
- Used for physical objects, buildings, or general health states.
- A polite, objective way to say something is in bad shape.
What It Means
Poor condition is a simple way to say something is in bad shape. It means the item is damaged or very old. You might see scratches, dents, or parts that don't work. It isn't just for objects, though. It can describe a house, a road, or even a person's health. Think of it as the opposite of 'brand new' or 'mint condition.'
How To Use It
You usually use it after the verb to be. For example, 'The house is in poor condition.' You can also use it as an adjective before a noun. 'I bought a poor condition guitar to fix up.' It is a very flexible phrase. It works for big things like buildings and small things like toys. It sounds more polite than saying something is 'trash' or 'garbage.'
When To Use It
Use this when you are being honest about quality. It is perfect for online shopping descriptions. If you are selling an old phone with a cracked screen, be fair. Tell the buyer it is in poor condition. You can also use it in professional reports. A mechanic might say your car's tires are in poor condition. It’s also common when discussing history or vintage items.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for people unless you are talking about medical health. If your friend looks tired, don't say they are in poor condition. That sounds like they belong in a hospital! Instead, say they 'look tired.' Also, avoid it for food. We don't say 'this apple is in poor condition.' We say the apple is 'rotten' or 'spoiled.'
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, being honest about an item's state is valued. This is especially true in 'second-hand' culture like eBay or garage sales. Using poor condition shows you are a trustworthy seller. It manages the buyer's expectations so they aren't disappointed. It’s a way to be realistic without being overly dramatic or rude about an object.
Common Variations
You might hear people say bad condition or rough shape. In the UK, someone might say it’s seen better days. If it’s really bad, people say it’s in terrible condition. If it’s just a little bit used, they might say fair condition. It’s all part of a scale from 'perfect' to 'broken.'
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is highly versatile and safe for almost any situation. Just remember to use the preposition 'in' and avoid using it to describe people's general appearance.
The 'In' Rule
Always remember to use the preposition 'in' before the phrase. You say 'in poor condition,' never 'with poor condition.'
Don't be too blunt
If a friend shows you their new (but ugly) car, saying it's in 'poor condition' might hurt their feelings. Use it for facts, not opinions!
The British Understatement
In the UK, if someone says something is in 'a bit of a state,' they usually mean it is in 'poor condition' but are being polite.
Beispiele
6The engine is fine, but the interior is in poor condition.
The engine is fine, but the interior is in poor condition.
Used to distinguish between different parts of an object.
The local roads are in poor condition after the winter storm.
The local roads are in poor condition after the winter storm.
Describes public infrastructure that needs repair.
I found a first edition, but it's in such poor condition that the pages fall out.
I found a first edition, but it's in such poor condition that the pages fall out.
Emphasizes the physical fragility of an item.
The flat is cheap, but honestly, it's in poor condition.
The flat is cheap, but honestly, it's in poor condition.
A polite way to warn a friend that a place is messy or broken.
My laptop is in such poor condition it takes twenty minutes to open a calculator.
My laptop is in such poor condition it takes twenty minutes to open a calculator.
Using the phrase to exaggerate how slow or old tech is.
It’s sad to see the ancient temple in such poor condition.
It’s sad to see the ancient temple in such poor condition.
Expresses regret over the neglect of something important.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a neglected garden.
The garden hasn't been watered in months; it is in ___ condition.
Since the garden hasn't been cared for, 'poor' is the correct adjective to describe its bad state.
Complete the sentence describing a medical update.
The doctor said the patient's heart is in ___ condition.
In medical contexts, 'poor condition' is a formal way to describe health problems.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Ways to say 'Bad Shape'
Used with friends for trashy things
Beat up / Wrecked
Standard way to describe items
Poor condition
Used in official reports
Substandard state
Where to use 'Poor Condition'
Real Estate
A house with a leaking roof
Online Sales
A phone with a cracked screen
Healthcare
A patient with low vitals
Environment
A polluted river
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenOnly in a medical sense. Doctors use it to describe a patient's health, but you shouldn't use it to describe someone's appearance or mood.
Not exactly. Something in poor condition might still work, but it looks bad or is wearing out. Broken means it doesn't work at all.
It is neutral. You can use it in a business report or while talking to your neighbor about their rusty bike.
The most common opposites are excellent condition, mint condition, or great shape.
Yes, bad condition is very common and means the same thing, though poor condition sounds slightly more descriptive.
The most common way is: [Noun] + is in + poor condition. For example, The book is in poor condition.
Usually, no. For food, we use specific words like stale, rotten, or expired.
It's rare. We usually say a relationship is on the rocks or struggling rather than using this phrase.
No, in this context poor means 'low quality' or 'inadequate,' not a lack of money.
It is the total opposite! It means something is perfect, like it just came out of the factory.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Seen better days
An idiom for something that is old and worn out.
Run-down
Specifically used for buildings or areas that are neglected.
Dilapidated
A formal word for a building in very poor condition.
In bad shape
A more casual version of 'in poor condition'.
Kommentare (0)
Zum Kommentieren AnmeldenStarte kostenlos mit dem Sprachenlernen
Kostenlos Loslegen