Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
poor in
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "poor in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a lack or deficiency in a particular quality or resource. Example: "The region is poor in natural resources, making it difficult for the economy to thrive."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Wiki
Alternative expressions(6)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
57 human-written examples
Most grew up poor, in broken families.
News & Media
"They are not truly poor in reality".
News & Media
They lived poor in rural areas.
News & Media
So with the rural poor in general.
News & Media
Mr. Poberezny grew up poor in Milwaukee.
News & Media
Borneo is poor in commercial mineral resources.
Encyclopedias
Hartley's timing was poor in every sense.
News & Media
But their countries remain poor in capital.
News & Media
It's very poor in standard," he said.
News & Media
Poor in sector Thames Valley University.
News & Media
England were very poor in Nice.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "poor in", ensure the context is clear and the specific area of deficiency is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The soil is poor in nutrients" is more precise than simply stating "The soil is poor".
Common error
Avoid using "poor in" to express a subjective opinion without specifying the deficiency. Saying "The design is poor in execution" is acceptable, but avoid saying "The design is poor" without further clarification about which aspects lack quality.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "poor in" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase, indicating a deficiency or lack of a specific attribute or resource. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from describing regions deficient in resources to skills or attributes where someone is not strong.
Frequent in
News & Media
47%
Science
25%
Encyclopedias
5%
Less common in
Wiki
3%
Formal & Business
2%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "poor in" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a deficiency or lack of something, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific discussions. While versatile, it is important to use the phrase with clear context to prevent misinterpretations. Remember, alternatives such as "lacking in" or "deficient in" can provide similar meanings while adjusting the level of formality. With a wealth of examples available, Ludwig confirms its relevance and widespread use.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
deficient in
Emphasizes a lack or shortage of something necessary or required.
lacking in
Indicates an absence or insufficiency of a particular quality or attribute.
weak in
Suggests a deficiency in strength, skill, or ability.
inadequate in
Highlights that something is insufficient or not good enough for a particular purpose.
short on
Informal way of saying there is not enough of something.
limited in
Implies restrictions or constraints in terms of quantity, quality, or scope.
scarce in
Highlights the rarity or limited availability of something.
impoverished in
Emphasizes a state of being depleted or lacking resources.
resource-poor in
Specifically indicates a lack of resources, whether material or immaterial.
under-resourced in
Focuses on the inadequacy of resources allocated to a particular area or activity.
FAQs
How can I use "poor in" in a sentence?
What are some alternatives to "poor in"?
Alternatives include "deficient in", "lacking in", or "weak in", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "poor in" or "lacking in"?
Both "poor in" and "lacking in" are acceptable, but "lacking in" might sound slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. For example, "The organization is "lacking in" funds".
What does it mean to be "poor in spirit"?
The phrase "poor in spirit" refers to a state of humility and recognition of one's spiritual need, often associated with religious or philosophical contexts. It's different from being materially poor.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested