functions poorly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "functions poorly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not operate effectively or as intended. Example: "The software often crashes and functions poorly, leading to user frustration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

· The Nottingham Extended ADL Index (NEADL) [ 48], assessing instrumental ADLs like handling money and using public transportation, adding up to a sumscore of maximum 66, and having good sensitivity in the upper part of the functional range, where the Barthel Index functions poorly.

BMC Geriatrics

Corruption is widespread in Russia, and government often functions poorly.

The New York Times

While it has long been known that the skin's outermost layer functions poorly in people with eczema, researchers at the University of Rochester have identified another reason eczematous skin is susceptible to invasion by allergens.

The New York Times

The ideal candidates would be missing both hands, but the hospital will also consider children with only one hand that functions poorly.

Los Angeles Times

Without Securin regulation, Separase is well regulated in all kinds of cells in vivo [30], [42] [45], whereas Separase functions poorly in PGCs without phospho-regulation, resulting in the premature segregation of sister chromotids and other chromosome segregation errors, including chromosome misalignment and mis-segregation.

Plosone

Burkina Faso's district health system functions poorly, including for the delivery of emergency obstetric care.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Moreover, they preferred a well-functioning product over one produced more "responsibly" but which functioned poorly.

The Economist

Checks and balances in the American constitutional system are functioning poorly.

The New York Times - Books

He realized back in college that he functioned poorly during the day.

The New York Times

People with OSA have such disturbed nights that they function poorly the next day.

The Guardian

After 13 hours of surgery, his arm was reattached, but it functioned poorly and left no feeling in his hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or process that isn't working well, use "functions poorly" to clearly communicate the issue. For more impact, follow up with specific details about how it's failing.

Common error

Avoid using "functions poorly" as a vague statement. Instead of saying 'The system functions poorly', specify who or what is affected by the poor functioning to make your writing more direct and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functions poorly" typically acts as a verb phrase, modifying a subject and indicating that it does not operate effectively or as intended. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a state of impaired or suboptimal operation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "functions poorly" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express that something isn't working as intended. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it finds its place in a variety of contexts, particularly Science and News & Media. It's important to consider stronger verbs or more descriptive language for higher impact. For related alternatives, you can consider operates inefficiently or performs inadequately if they fit the semantic context. Remember to be specific about why something "functions poorly" to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operates inefficiently

Focuses on the efficiency of the operation, implying a waste of resources or time.

performs inadequately

Highlights a lack of sufficient performance or quality.

works badly

Emphasizes the poor quality of the work or operation.

is defective

Indicates a flaw or fault that impairs functionality.

malfunctions

Suggests an abnormal or impaired function.

doesn't work well

A more informal way of saying something isn't functioning as expected.

is sub-optimal

Indicates performance is below the best possible level.

falls short

Highlights a failure to meet expectations or requirements.

is impaired

Focuses on the diminished or weakened state of functionality.

is not up to par

Indicates that something does not meet the required standard or level of quality.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "functions poorly" to sound more formal?

Consider using more formal alternatives such as "operates inefficiently", "performs inadequately", or "exhibits suboptimal performance" depending on the context.

What's a simple way to say something "functions poorly"?

You can use phrases like "doesn't work well" or "works badly" for a more straightforward and less technical description.

Is it always negative to say something "functions poorly"?

Yes, the phrase "functions poorly" inherently carries a negative connotation, indicating that something is not operating as expected or desired.

What's the difference between saying something "functions poorly" and saying it "is broken"?

Saying something "functions poorly" implies that it still works to some extent but not effectively, while saying it "is broken" suggests it is completely non-functional.