poor relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poor relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a negative or unsatisfactory connection between individuals or groups. Example: "The team struggled to meet deadlines due to their poor relationship, which affected their collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You have a poor relationship with your negotiating partner.

Harvard University

Norcross's father had a poor relationship with Florio.

The New Yorker

No one asked about Valentine's poor relationship with Todd Hundley.

The New York Times - Sports

He also denied the manager had a poor relationship with his players or with him.

The Guardian - Sport

And, "I must take most of the responsibility for my poor relationship with my company officer. . . .

The New Yorker

But his poor relationship with Grondona appears to have disqualified him for the post.

The New York Times - Sports

I had a poor relationship with my family, both my parents and my wife.

The New York Times

One is the poor relationship between Ms Merkel and Mr Sarkozy.

The Economist

Given the poor relationship between Athens and its creditors, her toughness will be tested anew in the coming days.

The Guardian - Business

But his poor relationship with the press corps was also governed by Ziegler's evident disdain for most of them.

The Guardian

Some prominent columnists have blamed Netanyahu's poor relationship with Obama and his prioritisation of Jewish settlers for the UN resolution.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a "poor relationship", be specific about the consequences, such as reduced productivity, increased conflict, or decreased morale.

Common error

Avoid attributing every negative outcome solely to a "poor relationship". Consider other contributing factors to provide a more balanced and accurate assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor relationship" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'poor' modifies the noun 'relationship'. It describes the quality of the connection between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

39%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poor relationship" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a connection characterized by negativity or dysfunction. According to Ludwig AI, it’s usable in written English and suitable for describing unsatisfactory connections. Examples show its use across diverse contexts, from personal relationships to international politics. Related phrases include ""strained relationship"" and ""difficult relationship"", each emphasizing different aspects of the negative connection. When using this phrase, be specific about the consequences of the "poor relationship" rather than overstating its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strained relationship

Focuses on the tension and difficulty within the relationship.

difficult relationship

Emphasizes the challenges and hardships experienced in the relationship.

unhealthy relationship

Highlights the detrimental effects of the relationship on those involved.

dysfunctional relationship

Points to impaired or abnormal functioning within the relationship.

deteriorating relationship

Indicates a relationship that is progressively worsening over time.

damaged relationship

Suggests the relationship has suffered harm or injury.

fractured relationship

Implies a broken or fragmented connection between parties.

rocky relationship

Describes a relationship with ups and downs and instability.

troubled relationship

Highlights the presence of problems and difficulties within the relationship.

unharmonious relationship

Emphasizes the lack of agreement and cooperation in the relationship.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "poor relationship"?

Alternatives include "strained relationship", "difficult relationship", or "unhealthy relationship", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does a "poor relationship" affect professional environments?

A "poor relationship" can lead to decreased productivity, increased conflict, and reduced collaboration among team members. Addressing these relationships is crucial for a healthy work environment.

Can you use "poor relationship" to describe a connection with an object or idea?

While primarily used for interpersonal connections, "poor relationship" can be extended metaphorically. For example, someone might have a "poor relationship" with money, indicating mismanagement or financial instability.

What's the difference between a "poor relationship" and a "lack of relationship"?

A "poor relationship" implies an existing connection characterized by negativity, conflict, or dysfunction. A "lack of relationship" signifies the absence of any meaningful connection.