poor show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poor show" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express disappointment or disapproval regarding a performance, event, or situation. Example: "The team's performance in the final match was a poor show, and many fans left the stadium early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

TV & Radio

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Poor show.

The Guardian - Sport

Poor show, Red Ken.

The Guardian

Poor show, really.

The Guardian - Books

This is a poor show.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a poor show from his editors.

Independent

A pretty poor show, we're sure you'll all agree.

The Guardian - Sport

It really was a poor show," he added.

Independent

This is pathetic oneupmanship, a poor show, a lamentable display of hubris from a dismal minister.

The Guardian - Sport

Button can take care of himself but it is still a poor show.

The Guardian - Sport

In an otherwise excellent episode, I call that a poor show.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A very poor show - that was only an anaemic 15.4-second pause.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "poor show" to express disappointment or disapproval in situations where politeness is still valued. It is less harsh than directly calling something "bad" or "terrible".

Common error

While "poor show" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or professional settings where more direct or explicit language may be preferred. Instead, opt for alternatives like "unsatisfactory performance" or "failure to meet expectations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor show" functions as an interjection or an evaluative comment, expressing disappointment or disapproval regarding a particular event, performance, or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

25%

TV & Radio

15%

Less common in

Books

8%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "poor show" is a common and grammatically correct way to express disappointment or disapproval. Ludwig AI indicates that it is frequently used in news and media, particularly in sports and entertainment contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in formal settings. Consider using more direct alternatives like "disappointing performance" when a more explicit expression of negativity is needed. Ludwig's analysis shows that the phrase is most common in news and sports-related reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappointing performance

Focuses specifically on the quality of a performance being subpar.

subpar display

Highlights the inadequate or below-average quality of something presented or shown.

lamentable effort

Emphasizes the regrettable nature of the attempt made.

unimpressive showing

Directly points out the lack of impressiveness in what was presented.

bad form

Indicates that the behavior or action was inappropriate or unacceptable.

unacceptable behavior

Directly addresses the inappropriateness of the actions taken.

shameful conduct

Highlights the disgraceful or dishonorable nature of the behavior.

utter failure

Stresses the complete lack of success in an endeavor.

complete disaster

Emphasizes the catastrophic or highly unsuccessful nature of an event.

terrible job

Critiques the quality of work done, indicating it was very poor.

FAQs

How can I use "poor show" in a sentence?

You can use "poor show" to express disappointment or disapproval. For example, "The team's performance was a "poor show"." or "His behavior at the meeting was a "poor show"".

What's a more formal alternative to "poor show"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "disappointing performance", "unsatisfactory display", or "failure to meet expectations".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "poor show"?

The phrase "poor show" is appropriate when expressing mild disappointment or disapproval in situations where direct criticism might be considered impolite. It's often used in British English.

What is the difference between "poor show" and "disgraceful conduct"?

"Poor show" expresses disappointment or disapproval, while "disgraceful conduct" implies a more severe level of disapproval, suggesting that someone's behavior was shameful or unacceptable.