in poor condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in poor condition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something when it is in a visibly damaged or run-down state. Example: The old boat was in poor condition, its paint peeling off and the wood beneath it severely rotted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The building is in poor condition.

The New York Times

"Vietnam is also in poor condition.

The New York Times

"The foundation is in poor condition.

The New York Times

However, they remained in poor condition overall".

The Guardian

Older films especially are often in poor condition.

The New York Times

He said: "The current building is in poor condition.

The Guardian

"The greens being in poor condition is obviously disappointing.

The Guardian - Sport

Many boats are in poor condition and are overcrowded.

The Guardian

Some were recovered in Harlem, but in poor condition.

The New Yorker

Much of this other ammunition was in poor condition.

The New York Times

The roof, in particular, was in poor condition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the condition of something, be specific about the nature of the damage or deficiency. Instead of just saying "The house was in poor condition", specify "The house was in poor condition, with a leaking roof and cracked foundation."

Common error

Avoid using "in poor condition" as a vague descriptor. Always provide details to clarify the extent and nature of the poor condition, enhancing the reader's understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in poor condition" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its state of disrepair or inadequacy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to describe something that is visibly damaged or run-down.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in poor condition" is a versatile and commonly used adjectival phrase for describing something that is damaged, deteriorated, or otherwise not in optimal shape. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various writing contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "in poor condition", remember to provide specific details about the nature and extent of the issue to enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "in bad shape" or "dilapidated" for stylistic variation. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately convey the state of something that is less than perfect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a state of disrepair

Focuses on the physical deterioration of something.

in bad shape

A more informal way to describe something that is not in good condition.

run-down

Emphasizes the neglected and deteriorated state.

dilapidated

Highlights the advanced state of disrepair and decay.

deteriorated

Focuses on the process of decline and worsening condition.

substandard

Indicates that something fails to meet the required standards of quality.

not up to par

Suggests something does not meet expectations or required level.

in decline

Highlights a gradual deterioration or weakening.

failing

Indicates that something is losing its effectiveness or strength.

impaired

Emphasizes a reduction in function or quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "in poor condition" to describe something that is damaged, deteriorated, or not functioning well. For example, "The old car was "in poor condition" after years of neglect."

What are some alternatives to saying "in poor condition"?

Alternatives include "in bad shape", "run-down", "dilapidated", or "in a state of disrepair". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "in poor condition" or "in bad condition"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "in poor condition" is often considered slightly more formal. "In bad condition" is more common in informal contexts.

What does it mean when something is described as "in poor condition"?

It means that the item or entity being described is damaged, deteriorating, or not functioning properly. The specific implications depend on the context.