poor decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "poor decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision that is not wise or well thought out. Example: The CEO's poor decision to cut corners on safety protocols resulted in a tragic accident at the factory.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I made a poor decision.

The New York Times - Sports

A poor decision.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a really poor decision".

Independent

"It was a poor decision".

The Guardian - Sport

"I thought it was a poor decision.

The Guardian - Sport

That was a poor decision from Farrell.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Immaturity, poor decision-making and misplaced priorities.

The New York Times

It revealed another instance of poor decision-making.

The New York Times

And poor decision-making was hardly confined to RBS.

The Economist

It was the consequence of widespread poor decision-making.

Independent

Poor decision-making in a key position meant a lack of creativity for Ireland.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the consequences of a "poor decision", be specific about the negative outcomes or impact to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "poor decision" when you actually mean lack of effort or negligence. A "poor decision" implies a conscious choice, while lack of effort suggests inaction or insufficient action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor decision" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier. The adjective "poor" qualifies the noun "decision", indicating a negative quality or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where "poor decision" describes specific choices or judgments deemed unfavorable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "poor decision" is a common and versatile phrase used to express disapproval of a choice or judgment. Ludwig AI identifies its primary function as a noun phrase modifier, typically employed in neutral contexts like News & Media, although it can also appear in more formal or informal settings. Understanding the difference between a "poor decision" and related concepts like a "mistake" or lack of effort is crucial for effective communication. By considering the context and potential consequences, writers can use "poor decision" effectively to convey their intended message. Remember the alternative expressions such as "bad judgment", "unwise choice" and "ill-advised action" to better fit your writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad judgment

Replaces "decision" with "judgment", focusing on the cognitive aspect of the choice.

unwise choice

Substitutes "poor" with "unwise" and "decision" with "choice", emphasizing the lack of wisdom in the selection.

ill-advised action

Replaces both words to create a more formal phrase. "Action" focuses on the undertaking.

unfortunate determination

Offers a more formal alternative using "unfortunate" and "determination", highlighting the negative consequences of the decision.

misguided choice

Emphasizes that the decision was based on flawed reasoning or understanding.

error in judgment

Shifts the focus to a mistake in the evaluation process, using more formal language.

imprudent move

Suggests a lack of foresight and careful consideration in the action taken.

careless choice

Highlights the lack of attention or diligence in making the selection.

unthinking decision

Emphasizes the lack of reflection and consideration involved in the decision-making process.

flawed assessment

Indicates that the evaluation process leading to the decision was faulty or incorrect.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "poor decision"?

You can use alternatives like "bad judgment", "unwise choice", or "ill-advised action" depending on the context.

How is a "poor decision" different from a "mistake"?

While both involve negative outcomes, a "poor decision" implies a flawed judgment or choice made with available information, while a "mistake" can result from accident, lack of knowledge, or oversight. A "careless choice" could be considered a poor decision.

What are the typical consequences of a "poor decision"?

The consequences vary depending on the context, but they often include negative outcomes, financial losses, damaged relationships, and missed opportunities. The severity of the consequence often mirrors the magnitude of the "unfortunate determination".

How to avoid making a "poor decision"?

To minimize the risk of making a "poor decision", gather relevant information, consider potential consequences, seek advice from trusted sources, and avoid impulsive actions. Taking your time to weigh options helps prevent a "misguided choice".