be poorly received

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be poorly received" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something, such as a message or action, is not well accepted or appreciated by others. Example: "The new policy was expected to be poorly received by the employees, leading to concerns about morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The largest company offering direct-to-consumer DNA health reports, 23andMe, says it's not telling people their brain rating out of concern the information would be poorly received.

MIT Technology Review

He said: "If it's inefficiency, why has it been tolerated all these years?" The newly detailed cuts will also be poorly received by many public sector workers already striking over changes to their pay and conditions.

The Guardian

I bought tickets the moment I could, convinced that the musical would, like the film, be poorly received and disappear back into whatever ether had brought it back into the world.

The Guardian

However, some thought that it would be poorly received by their managers and would immediately result in the presentation being lumped together with the views of anti-business green lobby groups.

The Guardian

It is what the chairman and the manager told me that they want too and I can't wait to get started". The only potential stumbling block over the transfer had been Adebayor's fears that accepting City's huge offer would be poorly received in Togo.

The Guardian - Sport

"Mr. Dell stated his belief that such initiatives, if undertaken as a public company, would be poorly received by the stock market because they would reduce near-term profitability, raise operating expenses and capital expenditures and involve significant risk," Dell disclosed in its proxy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Human Nature" was poorly received.

The New York Times

Yet the new computers were poorly received.

The Economist

These have mostly been poorly received.

The New York Times

It was poorly received when it was published (H.

The New Yorker

The current production, "The Glass Menagerie," closing today, was poorly received.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using the phrase "be poorly received". It implies a level of awareness or anticipation of a negative reaction, so ensure the context supports this understanding.

Common error

While "be poorly received" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider whether an active voice construction (e.g., "people disliked it") would be more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be poorly received" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of an action (receiving) and that the action is carried out poorly or unfavorably. Ludwig examples show it describing reactions to ideas, performances, and products.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be poorly received" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to express a negative reception or lack of acceptance. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news media and scientific publications. When writing, consider your audience and the potential for overuse of passive voice. Alternatives like ""be met with disapproval"" or "be badly received" offer subtle differences in meaning. Avoid to create sentences that are weaker or less direct in terms of writing style and the overall message being conveyed. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is appropriate across different registers, ensuring its utility in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be badly received

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the negative reception.

be met with disapproval

Focuses on the explicit expression of disagreement or objection.

be frowned upon

Implies a silent but clear indication of disapproval or social unacceptability.

be unpopular

Highlights the lack of general support or favor.

encounter resistance

Suggests active opposition or difficulty in gaining acceptance.

be unwelcome

Focuses on the lack of invitation or acceptance.

fall flat

Describes a situation where something fails to achieve the desired effect or positive response.

be rejected

Emphasizes a firm refusal or denial of acceptance.

be shunned

Implies deliberate avoidance or exclusion due to disapproval.

be scorned

Suggests a strong feeling of contempt or disdain.

FAQs

How can I use "be poorly received" in a sentence?

You can use "be poorly received" to describe something that is not well-accepted or appreciated. For instance, "The new policy was expected to "be poorly received" by the employees".

What are some alternatives to "be poorly received"?

Alternatives include "be met with disapproval", "be frowned upon", or "be unpopular" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be poorly received" or "be badly received"?

Both "be poorly received" and "be badly received" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, though "be poorly received" might be considered slightly more formal.

What does it mean when something "is poorly received"?

When something "is poorly received", it means that it was not welcomed, liked, or accepted by the people who experienced it. It suggests a negative or unfavorable reaction.