poorly done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poorly done" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
For example, you could say "That assignment was poorly done. Next time take more care in your work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Poorly done, it is tedious and overblown.

The Economist

and the scene at the door was poorly done.

The New Yorker

Clearly, it's a piece of crap, is very poorly done and is malevolent.

The New Yorker

"As when you attend a funeral and notice, against your will, that it's being poorly done".

The New Yorker

Critics say these studies were poorly done, are biased and dealt with tiny differences in nutrients.

The New York Times - Food

Drawing is sacred, he believes, and he does not like to see it poorly done.

The New Yorker

"How the city took care of the victims was very poorly done," said Mr. Cunanan, 28.

The New York Times

You'll find very poorly done studies, with no control groups and all kinds of problems".

The New York Times

Roadwork has been poorly done in many places, with potholes proliferating in the heavy rains.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He slept poorly, did not feel refreshed in the morning and considered himself addicted.

The New York Times

"People who provide the service poorly don't want to lose their jobs," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and purpose when using "poorly done". In formal contexts, a more diplomatic phrasing may be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "poorly done" as a standalone criticism. Instead, provide concrete examples of what aspects were deficient to make the feedback more constructive and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poorly done" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the manner in which an action or task was performed. It indicates that something was executed with a lack of skill, care, or quality. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "poorly done" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes something executed with a lack of quality or skill. As indicated by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While its register is generally neutral, a more formal tone may sometimes require alternative phrasings such as "suboptimal" or "deficiently performed". When using "poorly done", it's best practice to provide specific details to support your evaluation and consider your audience. Avoiding overuse and vagueness will strengthen the impact of your criticism. "Poorly done" is a useful and easily understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

badly executed

Focuses on the execution aspect being flawed.

shoddily made

Emphasizes the low quality of construction or manufacturing.

ineptly handled

Highlights a lack of skill or competence in managing something.

substandard

Indicates something fails to meet the required standards.

deficiently performed

Stresses that a task or performance was lacking in quality.

amateurishly crafted

Suggests a lack of professional skill in the creation of something.

botched

Implies a complete failure or ruin of something due to incompetence.

flawed execution

Draws attention to the defects and imperfections in how something was carried out.

unsatisfactorily completed

Highlights the lack of satisfaction derived from the completion of a task.

poorly implemented

Focuses specifically on the ineffective or faulty implementation of a plan or system.

FAQs

How can I use "poorly done" in a sentence?

You can use "poorly done" to describe something that was executed or created with low quality. For example: "The cleanup was "poorly done", and the uncapped pits remained a danger".

What are some alternatives to saying "poorly done"?

Alternatives include "badly executed", "shoddily made", or "substandard" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "poorly done" in formal writing?

While "poorly done" is grammatically correct, in very formal writing, consider alternatives like "suboptimal" or "deficiently performed" to maintain a higher level of formality.

What's the difference between "poorly done" and "badly done"?

"Poorly done" and "badly done" are very similar, but "poorly" might suggest a deficiency in quality or skill, while "badly" might emphasize the negative consequences or effects of the action. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.