in poor shape

USAGE SUMMARY

'in poor shape' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom which means something is not functioning properly or is in a bad condition. Example sentence: The economy has been in poor shape for the past few years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's in poor shape.

The Guardian - Books

The apartment was in poor shape, however.

The New York Times

The technology industries remain in poor shape.

The New York Times

But many recruits arrive in poor shape.

The New York Times - Health

TRUMP: I think it's in poor shape.

The New York Times

The highways are in poor shape.

The New York Times

For a 26-year-old, I was in poor shape.

Nature

It is in poor shape, with oversized potholes.

The New York Times

It is in poor shape to face a presidential election.

The Economist

The original 70-millimeter prints were also in poor shape.

The New York Times

It is about to go through the Brexit process with the economy in poor shape.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in poor shape", ensure the context is clear. Specify what is in poor shape to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "It's in poor shape", specify "The car is in poor shape" or "His health is in poor shape".

Common error

Avoid overusing "in poor shape" as a generic descriptor. While versatile, it can be vague. Replace it with more precise language to enhance clarity. Rather than saying "The plan was in poor shape", consider more specific alternatives like "The plan was poorly structured" or "The plan lacked detail".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in poor shape" typically functions as a predicative adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing its condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is not functioning properly or is in a bad condition. Many examples on Ludwig illustrate its role in describing physical conditions, economic states, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science & Research

14%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in poor shape" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is not in good condition, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a predicative adjective, conveying a negative assessment across various contexts, from news reports to academic analyses. While versatile, clarity is key; specifying what is in poor shape avoids ambiguity. While synonyms like "in bad condition" or "in disrepair" exist, "in poor shape" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse scenarios. The analysis of usage patterns and source quality underscores its frequent appearance in reputable news and media outlets. Its versatility makes it a useful phrase, but being specific and avoiding overuse are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in bad condition

Focuses on the deteriorated or damaged state of something.

in disrepair

Emphasizes the state of needing repair, often for physical objects or structures.

rundown

Implies a state of neglect and decay.

dilapidated

Suggests a more advanced state of disrepair, often for buildings.

decrepit

Highlights the weakness and frailty associated with old age or neglect.

not in good nick

An informal British English expression for being in poor condition.

under the weather

Refers specifically to being unwell or in poor health.

ailing

Describes something gradually declining in health or condition.

not up to par

Indicates that something is below the expected standard or quality.

failing

Suggests a decline or weakening of something, whether it be health, a system, or an object.

FAQs

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

The phrase "in poor shape" indicates something is not in good condition. For instance, "The old house was "in poor shape" after years of neglect" or "After the accident, the car was "in poor shape"".

What's a more formal alternative to "in poor shape"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "in a state of disrepair" or "in bad condition" depending on the specific context.

How does "in poor shape" differ from "in bad shape"?

The phrases "in poor shape" and "in bad shape" are nearly synonymous and often interchangeable. However, "in bad shape" might carry a slightly stronger connotation of severity.

Can "in poor shape" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "in poor shape" can describe both physical objects and abstract concepts. For example, you can say "The economy is "in poor shape"" or "The company's finances are "in poor shape"".