poor lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poor lot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people or things that are considered unfortunate or of low quality. Example: "They were a poor lot, struggling to make ends meet in a difficult economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Critics now considered poor lot by old guard with exception Alan Dale, Chas.

The New Yorker

"The comet-family idea was reasonably put forth as the best of the proposals, even while acknowledging that they all were a poor lot," Schaefer told New Scientist.

Independent

"We're a poor lot of mugs/ Who were trained to be things,/ And now we're at the mercy of the Greeks and the Jugs,/ Nobody's using us now".

The Guardian

Fairchild canceled the Curtiss machine but the Northrop, the "best of a poor lot", was pushed into immediate service.

Wikipedia

The Tamil civilian population still has little option but to accept their poor lot with no meaningful representation; no means of defending their political, economic, or human rights; and no hope for a future that looks any different from the past 60 years.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

For me, writers who have felt compelled to draw attention to the poor's lot have produced the best work.

The Guardian - Books

"Not many people have any idea how poor a lot of the folks around here are," he said.

The New Yorker

Despite the robust economy, the working poor's lot will never improve while government-subsidized old-agers can steal their jobs.

The New York Times

"Not only are they charging ridiculously high rents but the service is poor in lots of situations," said Asquith.

The Guardian

The poor pay tax, lots of tax, and lots in relation to their poverty.

The Guardian

Poor bets, the lot of them, according to M Turnbull.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "poor lot" when you want to express sympathy or highlight the unfortunate circumstances of a group or situation. Ensure the context makes it clear that you're referring to misfortune rather than simply a lack of wealth.

Common error

Avoid using "poor lot" in contexts where the primary issue is financial poverty if other aspects like health or opportunity are more relevant. Choose more descriptive language that accurately reflects the nature of their hardship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor lot" functions as a noun phrase often used as a subject complement or appositive. It describes a group or situation characterized by unfortunate circumstances or low quality. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to express sympathy or criticism.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "poor lot" is a phrase used to describe a group or situation deemed unfortunate or of low quality. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily used in News & Media contexts. While semantically similar phrases like "unfortunate group" or "unhappy lot" can be used as alternatives, "poor lot" carries a unique blend of sympathy and mild criticism. When using this phrase, consider the potential for misinterpretation and ensure the context clearly conveys the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unhappy lot

Directly states that a group is experiencing unhappiness or misfortune.

unfortunate group

Emphasizes the misfortune experienced by a particular group.

bad bunch

Highlights the negative or undesirable qualities of a group.

sorry state

Focuses on the regrettable or deficient condition of something.

miserable crew

Emphasizes the unhappiness and collective misfortune of a group.

unlucky crowd

Highlights the lack of good fortune experienced by a group of people.

distressed set

Implies that a group or collection is suffering or in trouble.

ill-fated group

Suggests that a group is destined for a bad outcome or has already experienced one.

wretched company

Focuses on the miserable or deplorable condition of a group.

pitiful bunch

Emphasizes the feeling of pity or sorrow inspired by a group.

FAQs

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

You can use "poor lot" to describe a group or situation characterized by misfortune or low quality. For example, "They were a "poor lot", struggling to make ends meet" or "The team was a "poor lot", plagued by injuries and poor performance".

What are some alternatives to "poor lot"?

Alternatives to "poor lot" include "unfortunate group", "bad bunch", or "unhappy lot", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "poor lot" to describe inanimate objects?

Yes, "poor lot" can be used to describe inanimate objects if they are in a state of disrepair or are of low quality. For instance, "The old car was a "poor lot", constantly breaking down".

What's the difference between "poor lot" and "unlucky lot"?

"Poor lot" generally refers to a state of overall misfortune or low quality, while "unlucky lot" specifically emphasizes a lack of good fortune or bad luck. While similar, "unlucky lot" focuses more on chance occurrences.