a poor relation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a poor relation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is considered inferior or less important compared to something else, often in a comparative context. Example: "The new smartphone model is seen as a poor relation of its more advanced predecessor, lacking many of the features that made the earlier version popular."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But that's not to say La Tzoumaz is a poor relation of its rich neighbour.

The Guardian - Travel

The foot is often but erroneously considered to be a poor relation of the hand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Mental health, for too long, has been a poor relation of healthcare … but there is a genuine appetite for change".

The Guardian

Since 2010 he has headed Goldman's asset-management division, which has always been a poor relation of its other businesses.

The Economist

A poor relation of the broccoli, the cabbage, and the brussels sprout, the kohlrabi is primarily noted (when it's noted at all) for its peculiar appearance.

The New Yorker

Yesterday, Lord Woolf claimed that the government's plans would create a "second class" institution, which would be a "poor relation" of others around the world.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

He does not consider the first hour of the Tonys a poor relation to the CBS portion of the show, but he sees that attitude as par for the course.

The New York Times

While the eBay show house is still a poor relation to the grandeur of the nearby Kips Bay Decorator Show House, which closed on Monday, this year it has enough bite and brains to warrant a look.

The New York Times

For that, mercifully, the TV cameras are switched off.The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, a brand-new award, is a conscious attempt to sprinkle a similar kind of stardust onto engineering, which has long worried that it is seen as a bit of a poor relation to more academic science.

The Economist

"Somehow in the past, obesity was thought of as a poor relation to a real disease like heart disease or cancer".

The New York Times - Science

Age-related hearing loss, a poor relation in terms of research and resources in the wider deafness field, does not completely cut you off from people, but it changes radically, and irrevocably, your perceptions of them and, often, their perceptions of you.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to point out that something is overlooked or undervalued compared to something else, consider using "a poor relation of" to illustrate the imbalance.

Common error

Avoid using "a poor relation of" when simply stating a lack of financial resources. The phrase implies inferiority or a disadvantaged position in a broader sense, not just monetary poverty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a poor relation of" functions as a comparative expression, highlighting the inferiority or lesser status of one entity in relation to another. Ludwig AI shows it's used to establish a hierarchy or comparison between two subjects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a poor relation of" is a versatile comparative expression used to denote inferiority or lesser status, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to highlight disparities between entities, often suggesting an unfair or overlooked position. When writing, using this phrase helps to emphasize the difference in quality, importance, or status between two things. Be mindful of the implied connotation of being unfairly overlooked, and you'll avoid potential misuse. Alternatives like "a lesser version of" or "an inferior substitute for" can offer similar meanings depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lesser version of

Focuses on the idea of something being less developed or advanced.

a weaker counterpart to

Emphasizes a lack of strength or effectiveness in comparison.

an inferior substitute for

Highlights the idea of something being used as a less desirable replacement.

not as good as

A simple and direct way to express a difference in quality.

second fiddle to

Implies a subservient or secondary role.

subordinate to

Indicates a lower rank or position in a hierarchy.

outshone by

Focuses on the idea of being overshadowed or surpassed in brilliance.

in the shadow of

Suggests being less prominent or noticeable due to the presence of something else.

pale imitation of

Highlights the idea of something being a weak or inadequate copy.

a shadow of its former self

Implies a decline in quality or importance over time.

FAQs

How can I use "a poor relation of" in a sentence?

You can use "a poor relation of" to compare something unfavorably to something else, suggesting it's inferior in quality, status, or importance. For example, "This budget smartphone feels like "a poor relation of" its flagship counterpart".

What can I say instead of "a poor relation of"?

You can use alternatives like "a lesser version of", "an inferior substitute for", or "second fiddle to" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a poor relation of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a poor relation of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to express a critical comparison with a touch of nuance. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What's the difference between "a poor relation of" and "an inferior version of"?

"A poor relation of" often carries a connotation of being unfairly overlooked or undervalued, while "an inferior version of" simply implies a difference in quality without necessarily suggesting any injustice.