poor performance

USAGE SUMMARY

'poor performance' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when describing a task or activity that was not completed well or not up to expected standards. For example: "The employee was given a warning due to poor performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Poor performance?

The New Yorker

"Poor performance gets amplified".

The New York Times

A poor, poor performance.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a very poor performance".

The New York Times - Sports

SAC eventually fired Freeman for poor performance.

The New York Times - Magazine

A poor performance by Dallas.

The Guardian - Sport

We put a poor performance in today.

The Guardian - Sport

It was just a poor performance".

The New York Times - Sports

His was far from a poor performance.

The Guardian - Sport

A poor performance may end the competition.

The New York Times - Sports

"Poor performance in debates has hurt Perry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "poor performance", be specific about the areas needing improvement. Providing concrete examples helps clarify expectations and facilitates targeted development.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "poor performance" without providing context. This can be demotivating and unhelpful. Always include specific instances or metrics to illustrate the areas that require attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor performance" functions as a noun phrase, where "poor" modifies the noun "performance". Ludwig shows that this phrase is used to describe a substandard level of execution or achievement in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poor performance" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a substandard level of execution or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, business, and academic settings. While it is a neutral term, it's important to provide specific feedback when addressing "poor performance" to ensure clarity and facilitate improvement. Alternatives such as "substandard performance" or "weak execution" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substandard performance

Replaces 'poor' with a more formal synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

deficient performance

Emphasizes a lack of necessary qualities or elements in the performance.

ineffective performance

Highlights the lack of desired results from the performance.

weak execution

Focuses on the act of performing poorly, rather than the result.

disappointing result

Focuses on the negative outcome of the performance.

unsuccessful attempt

Shifts the focus to the failure of the attempt, implying poor execution.

inferior showing

Emphasizes the low quality of the presentation or display.

bad showing

A more informal way to describe "poor performance", particularly in competitive contexts.

inadequate effort

Highlights the lack of sufficient effort put into the performance.

lousy performance

Uses a more colloquial and emphatic adjective to describe the poor quality.

FAQs

How can I address "poor performance" constructively?

Focus on specific behaviors and outcomes, offer support and resources for improvement, and set clear expectations for future performance. Regular feedback and monitoring are also essential.

What are some alternatives to saying "poor performance"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "substandard performance", "weak execution", or "ineffective performance" to convey a similar meaning.

What factors might contribute to "poor performance"?

Several factors can contribute to "poor performance", including lack of training, unclear expectations, inadequate resources, personal issues, or a mismatch between skills and responsibilities.

How does "poor performance" affect organizational goals?

"Poor performance" can hinder productivity, reduce efficiency, lower morale, and ultimately prevent an organization from achieving its strategic objectives. Addressing "poor performance" promptly is crucial for maintaining overall success.