poor memory

USAGE SUMMARY

"poor memory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about someone who has difficulty remembering things. For example, "He had a poor memory and could never remember people's names."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also, I have quite a poor memory.

Independent

Poor memory, I.Q.? Try Piracetam, Hydergine and Vinpocetine.

The New York Times

Reminders may help patients with poor memory or organization.

American Journal of Kidney Diseases

The study is only observational and doesn't prove that inflammation caused brain shrinkage or poor memory.

Harvard University

But emotionally draining... I've got such a poor memory I go back very little distance.

The Guardian - Film

The mistakes I made in the Powell's essay were due to poor memory.

The Guardian - Books

Murdoch is unlucky that his poor memory has been overtaken by documentation.

The Guardian - Opinion

But critics say that test merely rewards criminals who have a poor memory for detail.

The New York Times - Magazine

Constructing large suffix trees is challenging because of high memory overheads and poor memory locality.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

Other long-term effects include poor memory, concentration, balance and coordination.

The Guardian

Either Robinson has a poor memory, or he's even weaslier than Clegg.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's cognitive abilities, use "poor memory" to indicate a general difficulty in recalling information, as opposed to specific memory disorders that require more precise terminology.

Common error

Avoid casually labeling someone as having "poor memory" based on occasional forgetfulness. "Poor memory" typically implies a more persistent and noticeable deficit in cognitive function.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor memory" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "poor" modifies the noun "memory". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English. This construction describes a state or condition of having a deficient or inadequate ability to remember things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poor memory" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a difficulty in remembering things. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable for use in writing. With examples spanning across news, scientific literature, and academic texts, its versatility is evident. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and avoid casual misdiagnosis. Consider using related phrases such as "weak memory" or "failing memory" for nuanced expression. Remember to be mindful of potential underlying causes and avoid making assumptions about the severity of someone's memory issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak memory

Emphasizes the feebleness or frailty of memory function.

failing memory

Indicates a gradual decline or deterioration of memory.

deficient memory

Highlights the inadequacy or incompleteness of memory.

impaired memory

Focuses on the damaged or compromised state of memory.

faulty memory

Suggests that the memory is unreliable or prone to errors.

unreliable memory

Highlights the lack of dependability and trustworthiness of memory.

short-term memory loss

Specifies that the memory problem affects the ability to recall recent events.

memory impairment

A more clinical or formal term for reduced memory function.

difficulty remembering

Focuses on the struggle or challenge in recalling information.

forgetfulness

A general term for the tendency to forget things.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a "poor memory"?

Having a "poor memory" generally means experiencing frequent difficulty in recalling information, events, or facts. It can range from mild forgetfulness to more significant memory impairments.

What are some synonyms for "poor memory"?

Some synonyms for "poor memory" include "weak memory", "failing memory", and "deficient memory". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "poor memory" a symptom of a medical condition?

Yes, "poor memory" can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, dementia, head injuries, and vitamin deficiencies. It can also be related to stress, anxiety, or sleep deprivation.

How can I improve a "poor memory"?

While there is no guaranteed cure, strategies to improve a "poor memory" include regular exercise, a healthy diet, mental stimulation (such as puzzles or learning new skills), and memory-enhancing techniques like mnemonic devices and spaced repetition.