poor reception

USAGE SUMMARY

"poor reception" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to the quality of a signal, such as television or radio. For example: "The poor reception made it tough to watch the news last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Again, the governor received a poor reception.

The New York Times

Everything except the poor reception he got on his cellphone.

The New York Times - Tech

"I'm about to enter an area of poor reception".

The New Yorker

The poor reception to its latest phone update means the trends are apt to worsen.

The New York Times

Traditional, free-to-air television in Africa usually combines poor reception with tedious programmes.

The Economist

In a second note he bemonas his poor reception to Thackeray.

The New Yorker

Despite its poor reception, New Coke continued to be sold for a number of years.

Britannica

What she got was a bare-bones phone with few features and poor reception, she said.

The New York Times - Tech

A G.P.S. receiver is not immune to a problem that affects radios everywhere — poor reception.

The New York Times - Tech

Curious about the poor reception to the Aztek, he drove one in New Jersey last weekend.

The New York Times

To some extent, the poor reception is part of the global downturn in technology stocks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "poor reception" to describe not only technical signals but also metaphorical scenarios like how an idea was received by an audience.

Common error

Don't just say "the reception was poor". Specify what kind of reception you're referring to, such as "cell phone reception" or "television reception" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor reception" functions as a noun phrase, where "poor" modifies the noun "reception". It describes the quality or condition of a signal. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Tech

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poor reception" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a substandard signal quality across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in news, technology, and scientific contexts. While maintaining a neutral register, it is used to report problems with signal quality. Alternatives like "weak signal" or "spotty coverage" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For clarity, always specify the type of reception to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak signal

Focuses on the signal strength being low, a common cause of poor reception.

bad signal

A more general term indicating that the signal quality is not good.

spotty coverage

Highlights the inconsistency and unreliability of the signal.

unreliable connection

Emphasizes the lack of dependability in maintaining a connection.

intermittent signal

Describes a signal that frequently cuts in and out.

dropped calls

Specifically refers to phone calls being disconnected due to signal issues.

choppy audio

Indicates that the sound quality is disrupted and uneven.

static interference

Describes the presence of noise and distortion affecting the signal.

faulty transmission

Refers to a problem with the way the signal is being sent.

inadequate signal strength

A more technical way of saying that the signal is not strong enough.

FAQs

What does "poor reception" mean?

The phrase "poor reception" refers to a low-quality or inadequate signal, typically in the context of radio, television, or cellular devices. It indicates difficulty in receiving a clear and consistent signal.

How can I improve "poor reception" at home?

Improving "poor reception" often involves repositioning antennas, using signal boosters, or switching to a different service provider with better coverage in your area.

What are some alternative phrases for "poor reception"?

Alternatives include "weak signal", "spotty coverage", or "unreliable connection" depending on the specific context.

Is "poor reception" grammatically correct?

Yes, "poor reception" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe a deficient signal quality.