a poor performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a poor performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unsatisfactory or subpar execution of a task, event, or activity. Example: "The team received feedback that their presentation was a poor performance, lacking clarity and engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Anthony performed better Sunday against the Bucks after sulking during a poor performance against the Pistons.

The New York Times - Sports

A poor performance by Dallas.

The Guardian - Sport

We put a poor performance in today.

The Guardian - Sport

It was just a poor performance".

The New York Times - Sports

Deila said: "It was a poor performance.

The Guardian - Sport

His was far from a poor performance.

The Guardian - Sport

A poor performance may end the competition.

The New York Times - Sports

This has been a poor performance from everyone involved.

The Guardian - Sport

That was the Rangers' last hurrah in a poor performance.

The New York Times - Sports

"A poor performance all around," Mavericks Coach Rick Carlisle said.

The New York Times

And we come out with a poor performance.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "a poor performance", be specific about the areas where improvement is needed. For example, instead of saying "the presentation was a poor performance", specify "the presentation was a poor performance due to lack of visual aids and unclear explanations".

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something was "a poor performance" without giving specific reasons. Providing context and examples of what made the performance poor is crucial for constructive feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a poor performance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes an instance where someone or something did not perform well. Examples in Ludwig AI include describing a sports team's loss or an actor's subpar work.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a poor performance" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe an unsatisfactory execution of a task or event. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. Its function is primarily to evaluate and express dissatisfaction. Analysis reveals that it's frequently used in news and media, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the reasons for the poor performance to provide constructive feedback. Consider alternatives like "an inadequate showing" or "a subpar effort" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unsatisfactory execution

Emphasizes the manner in which the task was carried out and its failure to meet requirements.

a subpar effort

Highlights the effort exerted, which fell below expectations.

a weak showing

Similar to inadequate showing, but uses the term "weak" to indicate lack of strength or effectiveness.

an inadequate showing

Focuses on the act of showing or presenting something, and its lack of quality.

a deficient display

Emphasizes the observable aspects of the performance and its shortcomings.

a flawed presentation

Highlights the imperfections or errors present in the performance.

a disappointing outcome

Shifts the focus to the result or consequence of the performance, which was undesirable.

a substandard piece of work

Emphasizes that the quality is lower than what would normally be considered acceptable.

a lamentable attempt

Focuses on the attempt made, which is regrettable due to its failure or poor quality.

a failure

Directly states the lack of success.

FAQs

How can I use "a poor performance" in a sentence?

You can use "a poor performance" to describe something that didn't meet expectations. For example: "The team's presentation was "a poor performance" because they didn't practice enough."

What are some alternatives to "a poor performance"?

Alternatives include "an inadequate showing", "a subpar effort", or "an unsatisfactory execution". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a poor performance" or "poorly performed"?

"A poor performance" is a noun phrase, while "poorly performed" is an adverb-verb construction. Use "a poor performance" to refer to the event itself, and "poorly performed" to describe how something was done. For example: "The play was a poor performance" versus "The actor poorly performed his role".

What's the difference between "a poor performance" and "a bad performance"?

While similar, "a poor performance" often suggests a lack of skill or quality, whereas "a bad performance" can also imply inappropriate behavior or conduct. The choice depends on the specific reason for the performance being unsatisfactory.