poor workmanship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poor workmanship" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has been made poorly or with low quality. Example: The new dresser I bought is falling apart due to poor workmanship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He attributes the recurring problems to poor workmanship.

The Guardian

But experts say poor workmanship and unexpected costs risk turning a buyer's dream into a nightmare.

The Guardian - Money

On recent visits, a notable number of entrees suffered from careless timing, some from poor workmanship.

The New York Times

It wasn't disclosed as a replica, but you could see the poor workmanship if you looked closely".

The New York Times

Boeing officials have said that poor workmanship by Alenia and other suppliers forced Boeing to rework many parts, further slowing its production line.

The New York Times

The health and safety executive said the Arup report had highlighted concerns about poor workmanship and failure to adopt good engineering practice.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Poor quality workmanship will be more expensive in the long run.

WikiHow

The on-site technical investigations revealed that the damages were caused mostly by faulty concrete production, defects in reinforcement details and the poor quality of workmanship.

Case Studies in Construction Materials

A Times investigation found that poor planning, shoddy workmanship and other factors cost tens of millions of dollars.

Los Angeles Times

A Times investigation has found that the college district wasted tens of millions of dollars through poor planning, shoddy workmanship and bungled or abandoned projects.

Los Angeles Times

A recent six-part Times series based on thousands of pages of public records reported that poor planning, shoddy workmanship and frivolous spending in the construction program cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "poor workmanship", be specific about the defects. Instead of broadly stating that the workmanship is poor, detail the specific issues, such as uneven seams, misaligned components, or substandard materials.

Common error

Avoid attributing "poor workmanship" solely to worker negligence. Factors like inadequate training, time constraints, and flawed designs can also contribute to subpar results. Investigate thoroughly to identify the root causes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor workmanship" primarily functions as a descriptive term, typically acting as a noun adjunct (modifying a noun) or as a predicate adjective (describing a subject). Ludwig AI confirms its common use, supported by numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "poor workmanship" is a commonly used phrase denoting substandard quality in completed tasks or manufactured items. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by numerous examples, indicates that the expression is grammatically correct and appropriate for diverse settings, maintaining a relatively neutral tone. When utilizing this term, it is beneficial to provide specific details regarding the nature of the deficiency instead of making general statements. Related phrases such as "substandard craftsmanship" or "deficient construction" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Ludwig's diverse examples highlight that "poor workmanship" is frequently discussed in News & Media and Science, while maintaining relevance across a broad spectrum of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substandard craftsmanship

Replaces "workmanship" with "craftsmanship", emphasizing the skill involved in the work.

deficient construction

Focuses specifically on construction contexts and the lack of quality in it.

shoddy construction

Emphasizes the low quality and cheapness of the building, structure, or project.

inferior fabrication

Highlights the low quality of the making or manufacturing process.

faulty assembly

Pinpoints the errors or defects in putting something together.

deficient execution

Shifts the focus to the performance or carrying out of a task with lack of quality.

inadequate construction

Similar to 'deficient', but stresses the insufficiency of the construction work.

low quality craft

A general term which means the quality isn't high.

bad construction

Focuses on poor quality or incorrect building or assembling.

careless implementation

Indicates a lack of attention to detail and precision in carrying out a task.

FAQs

What does "poor workmanship" mean?

"Poor workmanship" refers to the substandard quality of work performed, indicating deficiencies in skill, care, or execution during a manufacturing or construction process.

What are some signs of "poor workmanship"?

Signs of "poor workmanship" include visible defects, functional issues, use of substandard materials, and failure to meet industry standards. It may involve uneven finishes, misaligned components, or premature wear and tear.

How does "shoddy workmanship" compare to "poor workmanship"?

"Shoddy workmanship" is similar to "poor workmanship" but often implies a more deliberate and blatant disregard for quality. While both describe substandard work, "shoddy workmanship" suggests a higher degree of negligence or dishonesty. Compare it with "shoddy workmanship".

What can I say instead of "poor workmanship"?

You can use alternatives like "substandard craftsmanship", "deficient construction", or "inferior fabrication" depending on the specific context.