of low quality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of low quality" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that is not very good or is inferior in comparison to something else. For example, "This sample of coffee was of low quality compared to the coffee we usually buy".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Its products are of low quality.

The Guardian - Opinion

…surviving Hellenistic works are of low quality.

Britannica

If the foster care that they had was of low quality, they were at greater risk.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At that time Wal-Mart's clothing assortment was of low quality and poorly presented.

The New York Times

Employers fear the 3m promised apprenticeships will be of low quality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Half of the trials included were judged to be of low quality (Jadad score <3).

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The economic consequences of low-quality audits.

Columbia University

This, it is said, has led to the use of low-quality alternatives.

The Guardian

Local governments will also be required to ban the use of low-quality coal in homes.

The Guardian

At first the cartels laced the fentanyl into heroin to increase the potency of low-quality supplies.

The Guardian

Campaigners agree that London has "a legacy of 50 or 60 years of low-quality road design" to tackle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "of low quality", be specific about what aspect of the subject is of low quality. For example, instead of saying "the product was of low quality", specify "the product's materials were of low quality".

Common error

Avoid using "of low quality" as a blanket statement without providing specific details. Vague assessments can be unhelpful and may lack credibility. Always substantiate your claim with evidence or specific examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of low quality" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something as being substandard or deficient. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, such as describing products, data, or services.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of low quality" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that fails to meet a certain standard. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific publications. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, its specific impact depends on the subject being described. To avoid vagueness, it's best practice to specify precisely what aspects are "of low quality" to ensure clarity and credibility. While alternative phrases such as “poor quality” or “substandard quality” exist, the original phrase remains a versatile and frequently encountered expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor quality

Uses 'poor' as a direct synonym for 'low', indicating an inadequate standard.

bad quality

Uses 'bad' for a more straightforward and general indication of poor quality.

inferior quality

Replaces 'low' with 'inferior', suggesting a lower rank or status in terms of quality.

unacceptable quality

Directly states that the quality is not good enough to be accepted or tolerated.

substandard quality

Replaces 'low' with 'substandard', emphasizing the failure to meet a required level.

second-rate quality

Suggests that the quality is not the best and is below the top standard.

deficient quality

Emphasizes the lack or absence of necessary quality characteristics.

shoddy quality

Implies that the low quality is due to carelessness or poor workmanship.

low grade

Shifts the focus from 'quality' to 'grade', implying a classification below acceptable standards.

cheap quality

Indicates that the low quality is a result of inexpensive materials or production.

FAQs

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

You can use "of low quality" to describe something that does not meet a certain standard. For example, "The craftsmanship was "of low quality", with visible imperfections."

What's a more formal way to say "of low quality"?

More formal alternatives include "substandard quality" or "inferior quality". These phrases are suitable for professional or academic contexts where precision is important.

Is it redundant to say "of low quality quality"?

Yes, saying "of low quality quality" is redundant. The word "quality" is already included in the phrase "of low quality", so repeating it is unnecessary.

What are some synonyms for "of low quality" in describing food?

When describing food, you could use terms like "poor quality", "cheap", or "substandard". For example, "The ingredients used were "of low quality", resulting in a bland dish."