quite poor

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite poor" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or something that has been done in a negative way. For example, "His performance in the race was quite poor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Southeastern are quite poor.

The Guardian

That is really quite poor.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was quite poor shared parenting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The raw content is quite poor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The thing was that we were quite poor.

The New Yorker

It is quite poor, compared to the good old days.

The New York Times

However, the track record of such attempts are quite poor.

The Economist

However, Hudson United Bank numbers are quite poor.

The New York Times

England are looking quite poor, but so is Germany's defence.

The Guardian - Sport

Electrical conduction in intrinsic semiconductors is quite poor at room temperature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ichabod Crane is quite poor, and his main interest is self-advancement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite poor", ensure the context is clear. Specify what is "quite poor" to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The quality was quite poor", specify "The sound quality was quite poor."

Common error

Avoid using "quite poor" as a standalone critique. Providing specific reasons for why something is "quite poor" adds depth and credibility to your assessment. Example: Instead of just stating "The service was quite poor", elaborate with "The service was quite poor due to long wait times and inattentive staff."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite poor" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe the quality or condition of something as being significantly below average. As noted by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite poor" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something as significantly below average. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts. It is frequently used in News & Media and Scientific publications, carrying a neutral tone, though its formality can vary. Alternatives include "rather inadequate" or "somewhat deficient". Remember to provide context and avoid overuse without qualification to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather inadequate

Emphasizes the insufficiency or unsuitability of something.

somewhat deficient

Highlights a lack or shortage in a particular aspect.

distinctly inferior

Focuses on the lower quality or standard compared to something else.

relatively substandard

Implies a performance or condition below the expected level.

moderately unsatisfactory

Suggests a level of disappointment or unacceptability.

noticeably weak

Points out the lack of strength or effectiveness.

significantly lacking

Indicates a considerable absence or shortage.

fairly dismal

Conveys a sense of gloom or inadequacy.

not particularly good

A more indirect way of expressing that something is below average.

decidedly subpar

Highlights that something is not up to the usual standard.

FAQs

How can I use "quite poor" in a sentence?

You can use "quite poor" to describe something that is substandard or deficient. For example, "The team's performance was "quite poor" this season", or "The internet connection in this area is "quite poor"".

What are some alternatives to saying "quite poor"?

Alternatives to "quite poor" include "rather inadequate", "somewhat deficient", or "distinctly inferior", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "quite poor"?

Yes, describing something as "quite poor" is generally negative, as it implies a significant deficiency or lack of quality. However, the degree of negativity can vary depending on the context and the specific aspect being described.

What is the difference between "poor" and "quite poor"?

Adding "quite" to "poor" intensifies the adjective, indicating a more pronounced level of deficiency or inadequacy. "Poor" suggests something is below average, while "quite poor" suggests it is significantly below average.