Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
poor usage
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"poor usage" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is done incorrectly or inefficiently, e.g. "The poor usage of this strategy has led to a decrease in productivity".
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
14 human-written examples
He is doing a short bit in Attica for poor usage of a gun.
News & Media
Poor usage, of course, goes back at least to Shakespeare, who invented plenty of his own rules.
News & Media
In the corrections and clarifications column itself, a sense of proportion weighs strongly with me in highlighting poor usage.
News & Media
Having taught university students in global affairs, I happened to have several old papers in a drawer, complete with my marks for poor usage.
News & Media
I do applaud a general trend toward fewer unnecessary or simply wrongly conceived commas, but misspellings, missed words, poor usage and hopelessly tangled construction reflect most surely on the perceived intelligence of the writer, indeed on his very commitment to the transaction at hand.
News & Media
A film of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles with a diameter of less than 15 nm is usually used for the photoanode to adsorb more dyes, but the poor usage of incident light because of a high transparency of 20 ~ 60 % at visible wavelengths is troublesome.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
46 human-written examples
Her loss was declared a "death by poor remote usage".
News & Media
As we considered that the poor codon usage bias may be one limiting factor leading to the inefficient translation and scFv production, we designed and synthesized the full-length scFv gene by choosing the P. pastoris preferred codons while keeping the G + C content at relatively low level.
In contrast, genes with poor codon usage may have additional post-transcriptional regulatory roadblocks and consequently exhibit a relatively poor correlation.
Science
These facts, as well as an ORF1 start codon in an unfavourable translation initiation context and poor codon usage for ORF2, led to the hypothesis that pgc functions as a transcription-repressing non-coding RNA [1]; [3].
Science
The low risk perception accompanying such poor PPE usage needs to be guided with solid examples to finally achieve behavioral change.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In technical contexts, "poor usage" can highlight inefficiencies in resource allocation or application.
Common error
Avoid using "poor usage" when you mean general inadequacy or low quality. "Poor usage" specifically refers to the manner in which something is used, not its inherent quality or value.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "poor usage" functions as a noun phrase, where "poor" modifies the noun "usage". Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It commonly describes the inadequate or incorrect way something is utilized, applicable across various domains.
Frequent in
Science
38%
News & Media
32%
Formal & Business
8%
Less common in
Wiki
6%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "poor usage" is an acceptable and commonly used phrase to describe the incorrect or ineffective way something is being utilized. As verified by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as a noun phrase and serves the purpose of criticizing or identifying deficiencies across various contexts. While commonly found in Science and News & Media, it maintains a generally neutral register. When employing this term, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of inadequate application or incorrect utilization and isn't confused with general low quality. Alternative phrases such as "inefficient use" or "inadequate application" may offer nuanced replacements depending on the specific context.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
inefficient use
Focuses more on the lack of efficiency rather than the quality of the usage.
inadequate application
Emphasizes that something wasn't properly applied or utilized.
suboptimal employment
Highlights that something is not being used in the best possible way.
faulty handling
Suggests a mistake or error in the way something was managed.
defective utilization
Highlights the flaws and imperfections during utilization.
imprudent application
Stresses the lack of carefulness in applying or using something.
unwise exploitation
Focuses on the lack of wisdom in the manner something is used.
careless administration
Highlights a lack of attention to detail and care in the management of something.
negligent operation
Suggests failure to exercise the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would under the same circumstances.
unsound management
Indicates bad judgement or unsoundness in the way something is handled.
FAQs
What does "poor usage" mean?
"Poor usage" refers to the incorrect, inefficient, or ineffective way of using something, whether it's language, resources, or tools.
How can I correct "poor usage" in my writing?
To correct "poor usage" in writing, focus on improving grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and clarity. Consider using a grammar checker or seeking feedback from others.
Which is a better alternative, "inefficient use" or "poor usage"?
The choice depends on the context. "Inefficient use" focuses on the lack of efficiency, while "poor usage" generally refers to incorrect or ineffective application.
What are some signs of "poor usage" in project management?
Signs include resource wastage, missed deadlines, and failure to achieve project goals due to ineffective strategies or improper application of tools and methods.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested