poor condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poor condition" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a physical or emotional state that is not optimal. For example: "The old house was in a poor condition and needed to be renovated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Poor condition - spine damaged.

Cornell University

"The foundation is in poor condition.

The New York Times

"The building is in poor condition.

The New York Times

"Vietnam is also in poor condition.

The New York Times

However, they remained in poor condition overall".

The Guardian

The sculpture on the front was in very poor condition.

Harvard University

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

"Because the furniture was in extremely, extremely poor condition".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something in "poor condition", be specific about the aspects that are deficient. For instance, instead of saying "The car is in poor condition", specify "The car's engine is in poor condition due to lack of maintenance".

Common error

Avoid using "poor condition" as a vague descriptor. Provide concrete details about what makes the condition poor. For example, instead of just saying "The soil was in poor condition", explain "The soil was in poor condition due to nutrient depletion and lack of organic matter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor condition" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of inadequacy, disrepair, or general inferiority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the provided examples demonstrate its use across varied contexts to describe the state of physical objects, health, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

32%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "poor condition" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to describe something that is not in a satisfactory state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While versatile, it's best practice to follow up with specific details about the nature of the deficiency, as opposed to using it as a vague description. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for various writing contexts, with a strong presence in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific publications. Consider related phrases like "bad shape" or "deteriorated state" to add nuance to your descriptions of something being in "poor condition".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad shape

This alternative suggests something is damaged or deteriorated, often physically.

deteriorated state

Emphasizes a decline from a previous, better state.

run-down

Implies neglect and disrepair, often used for buildings or areas.

substandard quality

Focuses on the failure to meet a required or expected level of quality.

deficient state

Highlights a lack or shortage of something essential.

damaged state

Indicates that something has been harmed or injured.

impaired condition

Suggests a reduction in functionality or effectiveness.

decrepit condition

Suggests old age, weakness, or decay.

unsound state

Highlights instability or unreliability.

lamentable state

Emphasizes the regrettable or unfortunate nature of the condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "poor condition" to describe the state of something that is deteriorated, damaged, or not functioning well. For example, "The building was in "poor condition" after the earthquake".

What are some synonyms for "poor condition"?

Some synonyms for "poor condition" include "bad shape", "deteriorated state", and "run-down". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "poor condition" or "bad shape"?

"Poor condition" is generally considered more formal than "bad shape". While both convey a similar meaning, "poor condition" is more suitable for professional or academic writing, while "bad shape" is more informal.

What's the difference between "poor condition" and "unsatisfactory condition"?

"Poor condition" typically refers to physical or tangible states of disrepair, whereas "unsatisfactory condition" can apply to both physical and abstract states that don't meet expectations or requirements.