poor appetite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poor appetite" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a lack of desire to eat, either due to illness or loss of appetite. Example: Despite having a lot of delicious food in front of her, Mary's poor appetite made it difficult for her to enjoy her meal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every day he must face his daughter Nesma, already frail from a poor appetite.

The New York Times

Useful for fatigue, weakness, convalescence, poor appetite, chronic colds, flu and bronchitis".

The New York Times

Because of her depression and poor appetite, she lost her will to live on.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) produces an illness characterized by jaundice, poor appetite, malaise, and nausea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Enlarged tonsils do not cause irritability, poor appetite, or poor growth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Affected children characteristically pass large, bulky, greasy stools; have poor appetite; and are generally miserable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Classic signs include persistent sadness, withdrawal from activities once enjoyed, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and poor appetite.

The New York Times - Health

"They come in complaining of dizziness, lethargy and poor appetite and say they find it difficult to work.

The New York Times

Other problems for calves were poor appetite, lack of milk, and skin conditions.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Premonitory symptoms included 1 week of abdominal fullness and poor appetite.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The patient developed postoperative complications such as a pancreatic fistula and a poor appetite and was treated conservatively.

Surgical Case Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a medical condition, use "poor appetite" to indicate a symptom that may require investigation. For instance, if a patient reports a "poor appetite", it should prompt further questioning to determine the underlying cause.

Common error

Avoid attributing a "poor appetite" to chronic conditions without proper assessment. A temporary decrease in appetite might be due to a passing illness or stress, rather than a long-term health issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor appetite" functions primarily as a symptom descriptor. It is used to indicate a reduced desire to eat, often signaling an underlying health issue or condition. As Ludwig AI suggests, its presence can prompt further investigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

18%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poor appetite" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a reduced desire to eat. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use. It's primarily used to report a physiological state, often as a symptom of an underlying condition. The phrase appears frequently in scientific and medical contexts, as well as in news and general discussions about health. When using "poor appetite", it's important to consider the potential causes and whether it's a temporary or persistent issue. Alternatives like ""reduced appetite"" or ""lack of appetite"" offer subtle variations in meaning, while "aversion to food" implies a stronger dislike. Remember to differentiate it from conditions like anorexia, which has other underlying causes. Overall, "poor appetite" is a useful term for describing a common experience, and its significance should be evaluated based on context and accompanying symptoms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced appetite

Uses a different adjective to describe the appetite, focusing on the decrease in hunger.

decreased appetite

Similar to 'reduced appetite', this emphasizes a reduction in the desire to eat.

lack of appetite

Replaces the adjective with a noun phrase, indicating an absence of appetite.

loss of appetite

Emphasizes the disappearance of appetite, suggesting it was present before.

diminished appetite

Uses a more formal adjective to convey a weakened or lessened appetite.

suppressed appetite

Implies that the appetite is being actively held back or controlled.

impaired appetite

Suggests the appetite isn't working as it should, possibly due to a medical condition.

weak appetite

Indicates a feeble or easily satisfied desire for food.

disinterest in food

Shifts the focus to a general lack of interest in eating, rather than appetite specifically.

aversion to food

Implies a strong dislike or repulsion towards food, going beyond just a lack of appetite.

FAQs

What are some common causes of "poor appetite"?

Common causes of "poor appetite" can range from temporary issues like stress or a cold to more serious underlying conditions such as depression, liver disease, or cancer. Medications can also sometimes cause a "reduced appetite".

What's the difference between "poor appetite" and anorexia?

"Poor appetite" is a general term for decreased hunger, while anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and severe restriction of food intake.

When should I be concerned about a "poor appetite"?

You should be concerned about a "poor appetite" if it persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, or abdominal pain, or if it significantly interferes with your ability to maintain a healthy diet. Seek medical advice to rule out any underlying conditions.

What can I do to improve a "poor appetite"?

To improve a "poor appetite", try eating small, frequent meals, choosing nutrient-dense foods, avoiding distractions while eating, and incorporating gentle exercise into your routine. If the "lack of appetite" persists, consult a healthcare professional.