low quality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low quality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not meet a certain standard or is of inferior standard. Example: "The product was disappointing due to its low quality, which was evident in its performance and durability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

They are also generally low quality.

The New York Times

Others think "sweet" somehow means "low quality".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Its products are of low quality.

The Guardian - Opinion

…surviving Hellenistic works are of low quality.

Britannica

Where are data signals low quality?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Piketty dismissed the ONS survey as "very low quality".

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Low-quality video below.

The New Yorker

Gone are the low-quality ads.

The New York Times

Heglig and Bamboo produce low-quality crude.

The Economist

"We'd call them low-quality earnings".

The Guardian - Money

It's sugar, low-quality sugar, even".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product or service as "low quality", be specific about the aspects that are deficient to provide a more informative critique.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "low quality" without providing specific details. Describe the exact flaws or shortcomings to make your assessment more credible and helpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low quality" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe a characteristic of something, indicating that it does not meet the expected or desired standards of quality. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is generally considered correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "low quality" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that expresses a negative judgment about the standard or characteristics of something. As verified by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts. When using "low quality", it's essential to provide specific details about the deficiencies to enhance clarity and credibility. While synonyms like "poor quality" and "substandard" exist, "low quality" maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse applications across news, science, and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Poor quality

Synonymous replacement, indicating a lack of excellence or desirability.

Substandard

Highlights that something fails to meet a required or expected level.

Bad quality

Simple term indicating unacceptability.

Inferior grade

Focuses on the ranking or classification of something as being below others.

Deficient quality

Emphasizes the lack of necessary or desirable attributes.

Second-rate

Informal term suggesting something is not of the highest standard.

Cheap quality

Highlights that the quality is reduced due to the cheap manufacturing or low cost materials.

Shoddy

Implies poor workmanship or construction.

Imperfect quality

Highlights the presence of flaws or defects.

Mediocre quality

Suggests something is average or unremarkable.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "low quality"?

Alternatives include "poor quality", "substandard", "inferior grade", or "deficient quality", depending on the specific context.

How can I use "low quality" in a sentence?

You might say, "The product's low quality became apparent after only a few uses", or "The data signals were of low quality, leading to inaccurate results".

Is it always negative to describe something as "low quality"?

Yes, the term inherently implies that something does not meet a certain standard or expectation. It is generally used to express disappointment or disapproval.

What is the difference between "low quality" and "cheap"?

"Cheap" refers to the price of something. While a product can be both cheap and low quality, "cheap" only describes the cost, while "low quality" describes the characteristics and standards of the product.