poor
/poː/
The term primarily functions as a socio-economic descriptor, but its usage extends into a qualitative judgment of merit or condition. When applied to an object or a performance, it suggests a failure to meet a basic standard of adequacy or quality, shifting the meaning from financial lack to a general deficiency. Additionally, the word frequently carries a compassionate or pitying tone. Using it to describe a person in a non-financial sense, such as calling someone a poor soul, transforms the word into an expression of empathy rather than a statement of status.
💬Casual Conversation
I am literally too poor to buy the textbook for this class.
OH DEAR. I WILL SEND YOU SOME CASH FOR YOUR BOOKS.
Meanings
Examples
I can't afford the rent, I'm just too poor.
Look at this poor thing, it's barely holding together!
We simply cannot provide services to such poor districts.
I grew up poor, so I value every single penny.
God, why is this poor man still begging here?
Listen, I'm poor, but I'm not a charity case!
The poor quality of these materials is just unacceptable.
I don't care if you're poor, pay me back!
It's a poor excuse for a professional presentation, honestly.
We need to help those poor families in the valley.
Collocations & Compounds
poor neighborhood
an area with low income
They grew up in a poor neighborhood.
poor health
bad physical condition
He has been in poor health for years.
poor quality
low standard of manufacture
I am returning this due to poor quality.
poor performance
failure to achieve goals
The employee was fired for poor performance.
poor record
a history of failure
The company has a poor safety record.
Idioms & Sayings
poor as a church mouse
extremely poor
He has been poor as a church mouse since he lost his job.