poorly received joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poorly received joke" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a joke that did not elicit a positive response from the audience. For example, "His attempt at humor fell flat, resulting in a poorly received joke." Alternative expressions include "badly received joke" and "unpopular joke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

While presenting the award to Minaj, actress Rebel Wilson made a poorly received joke about police brutality while presenting.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Per usual, the Yes Men and director Laura Nix experience both poorly received jokes and pranks that set the press afire, as well as one case that sparks a legal snafu like none other they've encountered.

Huffington Post

Just when it seemed that the world was ready to move on from a poorly received "Tonight Show" joke that offended Sikhs – and, perhaps, onto President Obama's poorly received "spilled milk" joke from Tuesday's State of the Union address – a man has filed a suit against Jay Leno, the "Tonight Show" host, for what he says are "racist" remarks.

The New York Times

Also sure to cause some reaction, if they make it to air, are the two Trayvon Martin-themed jokes -- like one, from Ross, about Franco's poorly received Academy Awards hosting duties: "Face it, Franco, you and Anne Hathaway had the comedic chemistry of Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman".

Los Angeles Times

"Human Nature" was poorly received.

The New York Times

Yet the new computers were poorly received.

The Economist

These have mostly been poorly received.

The New York Times

The poorly received Goal! trilogy fell between every stool possible.

The Guardian - Film

"It was the most poorly received pilot ever," Davies recalls.

The New York Times - Magazine

The current production, "The Glass Menagerie," closing today, was poorly received.

The New York Times

Much to Eakins's disappointment, "The Gross Clinic" was poorly received.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a joke as a "poorly received joke", provide context. Explain why the joke was poorly received – was it offensive, irrelevant, or simply not funny? This adds depth and understanding to your writing.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a joke was a "poorly received joke" without explaining why. Lack of context makes the statement vague and less impactful. Always offer insights into the reasons behind the negative reception to make the analysis more meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poorly received joke" functions as a noun phrase, where "joke" is the noun and "poorly received" acts as an adjective modifying it. Ludwig's examples show the phrase used to describe a joke's reception.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poorly received joke" is a grammatically correct and functional noun phrase used to describe a joke that did not resonate well with its audience. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable. While relatively uncommon, appearing primarily in News & Media contexts, it effectively conveys the failure of a joke to achieve its intended comedic effect. To enhance writing clarity, it's best to provide context explaining why the joke was "poorly received". Alternatives like "joke that fell flat" or "unsuccessful attempt at humor" can provide subtle nuances depending on the intended message. The phrase's neutral register allows for versatile application across different writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

badly received gag

Emphasizes the negative reception.

joke that fell flat

Emphasizes the lack of audience reaction.

unfavorably received joke

Uses a more formal construction for “poorly received”.

ill-received jest

Uses a more formal term for "joke" and "poorly received".

joke that bombed

Uses a more direct and informal term to describe the failure of the joke.

unsuccessful attempt at humor

Focuses on the failed intention behind the joke.

unpopular wisecrack

Highlights the unpopularity of the joke.

unappreciated quip

Focuses on the lack of appreciation from the audience.

failed comedic bit

Describes the joke as part of a larger comedic performance that did not succeed.

unfunny joke

Highlights the subjective lack of humor.

FAQs

How can I use "poorly received joke" in a sentence?

You might say, "The comedian's final joke was a "poorly received joke", as the audience remained silent" or "Her attempt at political satire resulted in a "poorly received joke" that offended many viewers".

What are some alternatives to "poorly received joke"?

Alternatives include "joke that fell flat", "unsuccessful attempt at humor", or "joke that bombed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What makes a joke a "poorly received joke"?

A "poorly received joke" is one that does not resonate with the audience. This could be because it's offensive, not funny, poorly timed, or simply irrelevant to the audience's interests or understanding.

Is it always bad to tell a "poorly received joke"?

While telling a "poorly received joke" might be embarrassing, it's not always a disaster. Sometimes, humor is subjective, and what one audience dislikes, another might find funny. It can also be a learning experience for the comedian.