a poor atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a poor atmosphere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an environment or setting that is unpleasant or not conducive to positive experiences. Example: "The restaurant had a poor atmosphere, with dim lighting and uncomfortable seating that made it hard to enjoy the meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"He's simply not going to get into a public debate with Obama on human rights, for he sees that as creating a poor atmosphere for other issues that Beijing deems more important to stabilizing the relationship".

The New York Times

2000 - The prawn sandwich affair Keane hits out at sections of Manchester United's support following what he felt was a poor atmosphere in the club's Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev.

The Guardian - Sport

In the early years of Manchester City's tenure the stadium suffered from a poor atmosphere, a common problem with modern stadia when compared with traditional football grounds such as Maine Road.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ferguson was more diplomatic but the United manager was clearly angered, drawing a direct link between the poor atmosphere and a laboured performance from his team.

The Guardian - Sport

Michael blames Charles Miner, the new Dunder Mifflin vice president, for the poor atmosphere around the office; Charles was the antagonist of a recent six-episode story arc revolving around Michael's defection from Dunder Mifflin to the Michael Scott Paper Company.

Wikipedia

POOR ATMOSPHERE -- Pretty stained glass insets and flickering votive sconces enliven a cube of a dining room with a separate bar.

The New York Times

POOR ATMOSPHERE -- Lovely view of tree tops beyond the window walls of a narrow main dining room porch.

The New York Times

POOR ATMOSPHERE -- Singular view both up and down the Hudson River through angular glass walls of a contemporary dining room.

The New York Times

POOR ATMOSPHERE -- High ceilings, tall leaded windows and Hudson River views fail to sustain the old grandeur of the dining areas, once lovely with dark wood trim and delightful murals, but now -- ceiling, walls, trim -- all hidden under white paint.

The New York Times

We test this method with generic spectra, reproducing the expected systematics and absorption features, then apply it to the nearby super-Earth GJ 1214b, which has produced conflicting observational data, leaving the questions of a hydrogen-rich versus hydrogen-poor atmosphere and the water content of the atmosphere ambiguous.

Princeton University

Nevertheless, most people still said that the poorer atmosphere at fresh markets did not deter them from using them as their main source for fresh foods.

Agriculture and Human Values

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the atmosphere of a place, be specific about what contributes to the "poor" quality. Instead of just saying "a poor atmosphere", mention the factors like dim lighting, noise levels, or uncomfortable seating that create that impression.

Common error

Avoid pairing "a poor atmosphere" with other vague adjectives (e.g., "a generally poor atmosphere"). Instead, use stronger, more descriptive language to convey the specific negative qualities of the setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a poor atmosphere" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that the environment or setting is unpleasant or negative. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, providing numerous examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a poor atmosphere" is a grammatically correct and usable way to describe an unpleasant or negative environment. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides examples from various sources, including news media and scientific publications. While not extremely common, its usage is consistent across different contexts. When using the phrase, it's beneficial to specify what contributes to the "poor" quality, such as lighting or noise levels. Consider alternatives like "an unpleasant environment" or "a negative ambiance" for more formal settings. Avoid pairing it with other vague adjectives; instead, use descriptive language. Remember, it always implies a negative quality about the described environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unpleasant environment

Focuses on the general disagreeableness of the surroundings rather than specifically the atmosphere.

a negative ambiance

Emphasizes the overall feeling and mood of a place, using a slightly more formal term.

a bad vibe

An informal way to describe a negative feeling or energy in a place.

an uncomfortable setting

Highlights the physical or social discomfort experienced in a particular environment.

a dismal mood

Focuses on the prevailing emotional state or feeling of gloominess.

a cheerless environment

Emphasizes the lack of joy or happiness in the surroundings.

a depressing atmosphere

Highlights the emotional impact, suggesting that the environment causes sadness.

a tense environment

Emphasizes the presence of stress, anxiety, or strain in the atmosphere.

a disagreeable setting

Focuses on the unpleasant or offensive nature of the environment.

an unwelcoming ambiance

Highlights the lack of hospitality and comfort that the environment offers.

FAQs

How can I describe "a poor atmosphere" in more detail?

Instead of just saying "a poor atmosphere", try to pinpoint the specific elements that make it so. For example, you could say it's "a tense environment" or "an uncomfortable setting".

What are some formal alternatives to "a poor atmosphere"?

For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "an unpleasant environment" or "a negative ambiance". These options offer a more refined way to express the same sentiment.

How does "a poor atmosphere" differ from "a bad vibe"?

"A bad vibe" is a more informal and subjective way to describe a negative feeling. "A poor atmosphere" is generally used to describe the tangible elements that create an unpleasant environment.

Is it always negative to describe something as having "a poor atmosphere"?

Yes, describing something as having "a poor atmosphere" implies a negative quality. You are highlighting that the environment is unpleasant or not conducive to positive experiences.