poor state

USAGE SUMMARY

"poor state" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a negative physical, economic, or mental condition or situation. For example, "The school's poor state of disrepair prevented students from learning effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Third, Texas is a poor state.

The New York Times

"We're really a poor state," he says.

The Guardian

Mr. Romney got several poor state surveys on Tuesday, however.

The New York Times

As a result, the railways were in a poor state.

The Economist

"The State of Texas is not a poor state.

The New York Times

He wrote about the poor state of the barracks.

The New Yorker

It obviously was then a very poor state.

The New York Times

"I was in a poor state, physically and psychologically.

The Guardian - Music

Reports found the forensics labs in a poor state.

The Guardian

This is perhaps unsurprising given the poor state of humanities departments.

The New York Times

Ayabu said the school asked for the seedlings given the poor state of the school grounds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "poor state", ensure that the context clearly defines what is in a poor state. Be specific about the affected area, such as "poor state of the economy" or "poor state of repair."

Common error

Avoid using "poor state" without specifying what exactly is in a poor state. For example, instead of saying "The situation is in a poor state", clarify with "The company's finances are in a poor state" to provide more clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor state" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "poor" modifies the noun "state". It describes a condition that is inadequate or undesirable. Ludwig's examples show the versatility of the phrase in describing different scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "poor state" is a common phrase used to describe an undesirable or inadequate condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. When using "poor state", it is best practice to specify the subject it refers to, such as "the poor state of the economy". Be mindful of overly vague language and ensure that your meaning is clearly understood. Semantically related alternatives include "bad condition" and "deplorable situation", among others, offering nuanced ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad condition

Focuses more on the physical or material condition rather than a general state.

deplorable situation

Emphasizes the negative and unfortunate aspects of the state.

sorry plight

Highlights the unfortunate or pitiable nature of the state.

weakened condition

Emphasizes the process of becoming weak or impaired.

deficient situation

Focuses on the lack of something essential or required.

dire straits

Indicates a situation of extreme distress or difficulty.

troubled circumstances

Highlights the problematic or difficult nature of the surrounding situation.

precarious position

Suggests a state of instability or uncertainty.

unfavorable circumstances

Implies that the state is not conducive to success or well-being.

adverse condition

Focuses on the harmful or unfavorable nature of the condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "poor state" to describe the condition of something, such as "The building was in a "bad condition" or "The "public finances" are in a "deficient situation"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "poor state"?

Alternatives include "bad condition", "deplorable situation", or "weakened condition" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "poor condition" or "poor state"?

Both "poor condition" and "poor state" are acceptable. "Poor condition" often refers to physical or material condition, while "poor state" can refer to a more general condition or situation. So, in the case of physical damage, "poor condition" might be more suitable.

What does it mean when something is described as being in a "poor state of repair"?

When something is in a "poor state of repair", it means that it is damaged or deteriorated and needs fixing. For example, "The bridge was in a "bad condition" and in a "poor state of repair".