low quality
جودة منخفضة
Use it to describe items or services that don't meet your expectations for durability or excellence.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for things that are poorly made or cheap.
- Commonly describes products, services, or digital media.
- The direct opposite of 'high quality' or 'premium'.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that is poorly made, cheap, or doesn't work very well. It's what you say when a product or service feels like a disappointment.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reviewing a product
I returned the headphones because the sound was low quality.
I returned the headphones because the sound was low quality.
Watching a video
The internet is slow, so the video is very low quality right now.
The internet is slow, so the video is very low quality right now.
At a clothing store
This fabric feels low quality; I think it will shrink.
This fabric feels low quality; I think it will shrink.
Cultural Background
The phrase gained massive popularity during the industrial revolution when mass-produced goods began to vary in reliability. Today, it is a staple of 'unboxing' videos and online shopping reviews on sites like Amazon or Yelp. In internet culture, a 'low quality' meme or post is often called 'low-effort' or 'shitposting'.
The 'Cheap' vs 'Low Quality' Rule
Use 'cheap' if you mean the price is low. Use 'low quality' if you mean the value is bad. A cheap watch can be high quality, but a low quality watch is always a bad idea!
Don't be too mean
If a friend makes you a handmade gift, calling it 'low quality' is very hurtful. Use 'charming' or 'rustic' instead!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for things that are poorly made or cheap.
- Commonly describes products, services, or digital media.
- The direct opposite of 'high quality' or 'premium'.
What It Means
Low quality is a direct way to describe things that fail to meet basic standards. It means something was made with cheap materials. It might break easily or look ugly. It is the opposite of high quality or premium. Think of a toy that breaks after five minutes. That is low quality at its finest.
How To Use It
You can use it as an adjective before a noun. For example, low quality food. You can also use it after a verb like is. For example, "This video is low quality." It works for physical objects, digital files, and even abstract ideas like work performance. It is a very versatile tool for your vocabulary.
When To Use It
Use it when you are shopping and see something flimsy. Use it when a movie has terrible special effects. It is perfect for online reviews. If a hotel bed is uncomfortable, tell your friends it was low quality. In the office, use it to describe a draft that needs more work. It is honest but clear.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful using it to describe a person's character. It sounds very insulting and cold. Avoid using it for expensive things that you just don't like. If a diamond ring is ugly, it is still high quality material. Don't use it for food that tastes bad but is fresh. Use tasteless instead. Also, don't say it to a chef's face unless you want a fight!
Cultural Background
In modern consumer culture, we are obsessed with quality. The phrase became very common with the rise of mass production. In the digital age, we use it for grainy photos or slow internet videos. It often implies that something was made quickly just to make money. It carries a sense of "you get what you pay for."
Common Variations
You might hear people say poor quality or substandard. In slang, people might say something is cheap or trashy. If you want to be more formal, use inferior. However, low quality remains the most common and balanced choice. It is the "Goldilocks" of descriptions—not too formal, not too rude.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation. It is safe for both business and casual conversations. Just remember that it is a criticism, so use it when you want to be honest about a lack of excellence.
The 'Cheap' vs 'Low Quality' Rule
Use 'cheap' if you mean the price is low. Use 'low quality' if you mean the value is bad. A cheap watch can be high quality, but a low quality watch is always a bad idea!
Don't be too mean
If a friend makes you a handmade gift, calling it 'low quality' is very hurtful. Use 'charming' or 'rustic' instead!
Tech Talk
In the tech world, 'low quality' is often shortened to 'LQ' in file names. If you see 'video_LQ.mp4', expect a blurry screen!
Examples
6I returned the headphones because the sound was low quality.
I returned the headphones because the sound was low quality.
Describes a technical failure in a product.
The internet is slow, so the video is very low quality right now.
The internet is slow, so the video is very low quality right now.
Refers to digital resolution or graininess.
This fabric feels low quality; I think it will shrink.
This fabric feels low quality; I think it will shrink.
Focuses on the material and durability.
We cannot release this; the current build is still low quality.
We cannot release this; the current build is still low quality.
Used to maintain standards in a workspace.
My date was great, but the low quality pizza was a tragedy.
My date was great, but the low quality pizza was a tragedy.
Uses hyperbole to complain about food.
I'm sad because the souvenir I bought feels so low quality.
I'm sad because the souvenir I bought feels so low quality.
Expresses regret over a purchase.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to describe a shirt that falls apart after one wash.
I'm never shopping there again; their clothes are ___.
If clothes fall apart quickly, they are made poorly, which defines 'low quality'.
Complete the sentence about a blurry photo.
I can't see your face in this photo because it's too ___.
Blurry or pixelated images are described as having low quality.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Low Quality'
Talking to friends about a bad movie.
That film was so low quality.
Writing a product review online.
The materials are low quality.
A professional report on manufacturing.
The batch was rejected due to low quality.
Where to use 'Low Quality'
Streaming Video
The 144p resolution is low quality.
Fast Fashion
This $2 t-shirt is low quality.
Fast Food
I feel sick from that low quality burger.
Work Projects
This draft is a bit low quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means something is poorly made or doesn't work as well as it should. For example, low quality shoes might fall apart in the rain.
It is not rude when talking about objects or services. However, calling someone's work low quality can be seen as harsh criticism.
Yes, you can use it for ingredients or the way food is prepared. Low quality meat usually means it is tough or not fresh.
The most common opposite is high quality. You can also use top-tier or premium for very good things.
Yes, poor quality is a perfect synonym. It is slightly more common in formal writing, like the poor quality of the air.
Technically yes, but it sounds like a very strong insult. It implies they have no value or bad morals. It is better to avoid this.
You can just say, 'The audio is so low quality, I can't hear you.' It's very natural in texting.
Usually, but not always. Sometimes expensive things can be low quality if they are designed poorly.
Yes! If the acting is bad and the camera is shaky, you can say it's a low quality movie.
Don't say 'lowly quality.' The adjective is just low. Always use low quality as a pair.
Related Phrases
Cheaply made
Constructed with little care or inexpensive materials.
Substandard
Below the usual or required level of quality.
Second-rate
Not of the best quality; mediocre.
Shoddy
Badly made or done (often used for physical work).
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