a poor match for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a poor match for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two things are not well-suited or compatible with each other. Example: "The candidate's skills were a poor match for the requirements of the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But IBRA's sheepskins proved a poor match for Suharto's cronies.

The New York Times

The Colonial house, with its stark saltbox lines, seems a poor match for a porch.

The New York Times

But late in the game she withdrew, deeming the part a poor match for her voice.

The New York Times - Arts

Of the remaining three, Thomas's physique makes him a poor match for Pujols.

The New York Times - Sports

The second problem with incremental solutions is that often they are a poor match for problems that are evolving.

Harvard University

But even proud old Oakland was a poor match for the tornado that battered downtown Atlanta in March.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

However, by his own later admission, Rhodes had a poor match, while his rival for Peel's place in the side, Albert Cordingley, took nine wickets.

Wikipedia

The Bulgarian offered no excuses, saying: "It was a very poor match for me.

Independent

Single off-the-shelf, one-size-fits-all solutions of the kind favoured by big organisations are often a pretty poor match for the disparate and dynamic 'real worlds' of developing country farming.

The Guardian

While jobs that are a poor match often provide fewer opportunities for autonomy and growth, even they usually reveal some positives.

Harvard Business Review

With his guileless smile and shrinking posture, John Patrick Hayden telegraphs the soft center that makes Tesman such a poor match and such an ideal foil for Hedda.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a poor match for", ensure that you clearly state both elements being compared to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "it was a poor match", specify "the candidate's skills were a poor match for the job requirements".

Common error

While acceptable, "a poor match for" can sometimes sound less professional in formal contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "incompatible with" or "ill-suited to" to enhance the tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a poor match for" functions as a predicate adjective describing the relationship between two entities. It indicates a lack of suitability or compatibility, suggesting that the entities do not work well together. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A poor match for" is a versatile phrase used to describe incompatibility between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions as a predicate adjective and serves to express that one thing is unsuitable or ineffective when paired with another. While exhibiting a neutral register, it's most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying both elements being compared. In more formal contexts, consider synonyms like "incompatible with" or "ill-suited to" for a more professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ill-suited for

Replaces "poor match" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing unsuitability.

incompatible with

Highlights the lack of harmony or fitness between two things.

not a good fit for

A more informal way of expressing the same idea, focusing on suitability.

unsuitable for

Directly states that something is not appropriate for a particular purpose or situation.

poorly aligned with

Emphasizes the misalignment or lack of correspondence between two things.

not appropriate for

Focuses on the lack of suitability in a given context.

mismatched with

Highlights the lack of matching or correspondence.

inadequate for

Suggests that something is not sufficient or good enough for a particular purpose.

deficient in

Focuses on the lack of necessary qualities or components.

not cut out for

An idiomatic expression indicating that someone or something lacks the necessary qualities for a specific task or role.

FAQs

How can I use "a poor match for" in a sentence?

Use "a poor match for" to describe when two things are not well-suited or compatible. For example: "The current vaccine is "a poor match for" the most common strain of virus causing illness."

What are some alternatives to "a poor match for"?

You can use alternatives like "incompatible with", "ill-suited for", or "not a good fit for" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a poor match for"?

It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when describing a lack of compatibility between two things. However, in very formal writing, consider using a more precise synonym.

What is the difference between "a poor match for" and "a poor fit for"?

While both phrases convey a lack of suitability, "a poor match for" often implies a more significant degree of incompatibility, whereas "a poor fit for" might suggest a less severe mismatch.