poor picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poor picture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an image that lacks quality, clarity, or detail, or to refer to a situation that is not well represented or understood. Example: "The report provided a poor picture of the current economic situation, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

A hot blue Bunsen flame makes a poor picture.

The Guardian

They are too expensive, offer only limited programming or suffer from poor picture quality.

The New York Times

"They missed this opportunity and gave a poor picture to the rest of the world of their leadership".

The New York Times

You look at this and it sends a very poor picture about China's competency at the leadership level.

The Guardian - Business

During my tests, I had poor picture quality when using Wi-Fi, as I was receiving a measly 283 Kbps on my supposed high-speed line.

The New York Times

If you can successfully persuade people that the situation is dire and experiences will probably be poor, picture their delight when the experience is mediocre.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

But smaller scopes, which can be as thin as a human hair, provide poor pictures.

MIT Technology Review

And even if Mr. Klein is right, analysts say, it is not clear that sites like his would be well received by people not yet accustomed to watching anything resembling TV on computers that, for the most part, have poor pictures and make for uncomfortable viewing.

The New York Times

To this day I believe that the right word is worth a thousand poor pictures.

Science Magazine

Don't buy something with poor pictures.

WikiHow

Can you imagine selling premium items but using poor pictures to show how fabulous your items are?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual media, specify what aspect of the "poor picture" is lacking (e.g., clarity, resolution, color accuracy) for greater precision.

Common error

While "poor picture" is acceptable in many situations, consider more formal alternatives like "inadequate representation" or "substandard visualization" in academic or business writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor picture" primarily functions as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier. It describes the quality of an image or, more broadly, a representation. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used and understood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poor picture" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe either a low-quality image or an inadequate representation of something. Ludwig AI affirms its acceptability and notes its presence in diverse contexts like News & Media and Science. While the phrase functions as a noun phrase with an adjective, its communicative purpose is to negatively assess the quality or accuracy of a visual or figurative depiction. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "inadequate representation" or "substandard visualization". Remember to specify the lacking aspect for greater clarity when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad image

Replaces "picture" with "image", a direct synonym, maintaining the negative connotation.

unclear image

Focuses on the lack of clarity in a visual representation, implying low quality.

low-quality photo

Specifies the type of visual and directly indicates its substandard quality.

inadequate depiction

Shifts from a visual to a more general representation, highlighting its insufficiency.

unflattering portrayal

Implies a negative or unfavorable representation, often used in a figurative sense.

negative impression

Moves away from the visual aspect, focusing on the overall feeling or perception created.

weak representation

Emphasizes the lack of strength or effectiveness in the portrayal.

substandard visualization

Uses more formal language to indicate that the visual representation is below acceptable standards.

deficient portrayal

Highlights the incompleteness or lack of essential qualities in the representation.

inferior quality visual

Directly states that the visual element is of lower quality.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "poor picture" when referring to image quality?

You can use alternatives like "bad image", "low-quality photo", or "unclear image" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "poor picture" in writing?

The phrase "poor picture" is appropriate in various contexts, from describing literal image quality to figurative representations of situations or concepts, but remember to check your tone. Ludwig AI finds it in a variety of sources.

How does "poor picture" differ from "unfavorable picture"?

"Poor picture" typically refers to the quality or clarity of an image or representation, while "unfavorable picture" suggests a negative or undesirable portrayal. The former concerns quality; the latter, content.

Can "poor picture" be used to describe something other than a visual image?

Yes, "poor picture" can be used figuratively to describe an inadequate or negative representation of a situation, concept, or idea. It suggests that the portrayal is lacking or deficient, as supported by examples in Ludwig.