very poorly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very poorly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is done in a very unsatisfactory or substandard manner. Example: "The project was executed very poorly, leading to numerous issues and delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Very poorly.

The New York Times - Arts

He's still very poorly.

The Guardian

Very poorly written?

The New York Times - Books

"Very poorly timed.

The New York Times

"That was handled very poorly".

The New York Times

France is doing very poorly.

The Guardian

Traditional advertising works very poorly".

The Guardian - Tech

(It rendered color very poorly).

The New York Times - Tech

He handled it very poorly.

The New York Times - Sports

London, England, done very poorly.

The New Yorker

Very poorly, is the answer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very poorly", consider the specific aspect that is deficient. For example, instead of saying "The presentation was done very poorly", specify "The presentation was very poorly organized", to provide more clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "very" to intensify "poorly". While grammatically correct, overusing "very" can weaken your writing. Explore stronger synonyms or more descriptive language to convey the extent of the deficiency. For instance, use phrases like "remarkably substandard" or "exceptionally unskillfully" as alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very poorly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate the manner in which an action is performed or a quality is exhibited. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very poorly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that intensifies the adjective "poorly". It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, serving to express negative evaluations. While versatile, more specific language can sometimes enhance clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, noting that stronger synonyms exist for situations where heightened emphasis is desired. Remember to use synonyms like "extremely badly" or "woefully deficiently" when precision is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely badly

Emphasizes the severity of the poor quality or performance.

terribly inadequately

Highlights the deficiency and unacceptability of the performance.

woefully deficiently

Stresses the inadequacy and regrettable nature of the poor performance.

remarkably substandard

Focuses on the noticeable deviation from the expected standard.

exceptionally unskillfully

Emphasizes the lack of skill in the execution.

particularly ineptly

Highlights the clumsiness and lack of competence in the action.

decidedly poorly

Indicates a clear and definite lack of quality.

patently deficient

Focuses on the obvious and evident nature of the deficiency.

strikingly amateurish

Highlights the unprofessional and inexperienced nature of the performance.

not up to par

Emphasizes the failure to meet the required level or standard.

FAQs

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

You can use "very poorly" to describe something done or performing in a substandard manner. For example: "The project was executed "very poorly", leading to numerous issues".

What phrases can I use instead of "very poorly"?

Alternatives include "extremely badly", "terribly inadequately", or "woefully deficiently", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "very poorly"?

No, it's grammatically correct, but consider if a stronger or more descriptive term might be more effective. Overusing "very" can diminish the impact of your writing.

What's the difference between "very poorly" and "poorly"?

"Very poorly" intensifies the degree to which something is done poorly. "Poorly" indicates a lack of quality, while "very poorly" emphasizes a significant deficiency.