poorly maintained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poorly maintained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been neglected and is not in good condition. For example, "The park's playground equipment was poorly maintained and overgrown with weeds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, Moss agreed that many of these spaces have been "poorly maintained, under-maintained, ill-used," and "barren".

Huffington Post

Poorly maintained public toilets.

The Guardian - Music

Poorly maintained, it fell into disrepair.

The New York Times

Both houses had been poorly maintained.

The New York Times

The police cars are poorly maintained.

The Guardian - Film

Student housing is often poorly maintained, mouldy and overcrowded.

The Guardian

The Evo, moreover, is an unhappy camper on poorly maintained roads or in heavy traffic.

The New York Times

While poorer neighbourhoods do have green space, it's often poorly maintained and under-utilised.

The Guardian

"Half of this lost time is due to poorly maintained files and desks.

The New York Times

What is worse, most barriers consisted of mile after mile of drab, poorly maintained walls.

The New York Times

It had become rundown and poorly maintained, its abandoned spaces a site of illicit trysts.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the state of something, ensure the subject of the sentence is clear. For instance, instead of just saying "the area was poorly maintained", specify what area you're referring to: "the park's playground was poorly maintained".

Common error

While "poorly maintained" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider using more nuanced alternatives like "deteriorated" or "in disrepair" to add precision and sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poorly maintained" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating a state of disrepair or neglect. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's correct and usable. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "poorly maintained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something in a state of disrepair due to inadequate upkeep. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While it is acceptable in most contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "deteriorated" or "in disrepair" for academic or highly formal writing. As shown by Ludwig's examples, "poorly maintained" appears most commonly in News & Media, followed by Science and Wiki sources, indicating a relatively neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

badly kept

Focuses on the lack of upkeep or care.

in disrepair

Emphasizes the deteriorated condition resulting from neglect.

rundown

Highlights the state of being dilapidated or deteriorated.

neglected

Focuses on the lack of attention and care.

deteriorated

Emphasizes the process of decline in condition.

shabbily kept

Highlights the poor condition due to lack of maintenance.

in poor condition

A general description of inadequate maintenance.

substandard upkeep

Highlights the inadequate level of maintenance.

lacking maintenance

Directly points out the absence of proper upkeep.

not well cared for

Emphasizes the lack of care and attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "poorly maintained" to describe something that is not kept in good condition due to neglect. For example, "The building was "poorly maintained" and showed signs of damage."

What are some alternatives to "poorly maintained"?

Alternatives to "poorly maintained" include "badly kept", "in disrepair", or "rundown", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "poorly maintained"?

Yes, "poorly maintained" is grammatically correct. It is a common and accepted phrase in English.

What is the difference between "poorly maintained" and "not maintained"?

"Poorly maintained" implies that some maintenance was attempted, but it was inadequate or ineffective. "Not maintained" suggests that no maintenance was done at all.