In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe items that are badly made or easily broken.
- Works for both physical products and abstract services or work.
- A polite but firm way to express disappointment or criticism.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that is badly made, breaks easily, or doesn't work the way it should. It is like buying a toy that falls apart the moment you take it out of the box.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reviewing a product online
I returned the shoes because they were of poor quality.
I returned the shoes because they were of poor quality.
Complaining to a friend about a movie
The special effects were such poor quality that I laughed.
The special effects were such poor quality that I laughed.
In a business meeting
We cannot release this software with such poor quality code.
We cannot release this software with such poor quality code.
Cultural Background
The British often use the proverb 'Buy cheap, buy twice.' This reflects a cultural warning against buying poor quality items that will inevitably need replacing. There is a strong cultural emphasis on 'Deutsche Qualität' (German Quality). Products that are 'poor quality' are often seen as a failure of engineering pride. The concept of 'Omotenashi' (wholehearted hospitality) extends to products. Even a 'poor quality' packaging job can be seen as a sign of disrespect to the customer. The 'Throwaway Culture' in the US has led to a high tolerance for poor quality in 'fast' industries (food, fashion), though this is currently being challenged by environmental movements.
Use 'of' for extra punch
Saying 'This is of poor quality' sounds much more authoritative and serious than just 'This is poor quality.'
Avoid 'poorly quality'
This is the #1 mistake. Always check if you are using the adjective 'poor' or the adverb 'poorly'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe items that are badly made or easily broken.
- Works for both physical products and abstract services or work.
- A polite but firm way to express disappointment or criticism.
What It Means
Poor quality is a straightforward way to say something is sub-standard. It means the materials used were cheap or the work was lazy. Think of a shirt that shrinks after one wash. Or a phone battery that dies in an hour. It is the opposite of high quality or premium goods.
How To Use It
You can use it as an adjective before a noun. For example, poor quality fabric. You can also use it after the verb to be. You might say, "This video is poor quality." It works for physical objects and abstract things like service or data. It is a very flexible tool for your English toolkit.
When To Use It
Use it when you are disappointed with a purchase. It is perfect for writing a customer review online. Use it in a meeting to discuss a project's flaws. It is also great for warning a friend about a bad brand. If a restaurant's food is cold and tasteless, this is your phrase. It sounds objective and honest without being too aggressive.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it to describe a person's character or soul. That would sound very strange and a bit robotic. Do not use it for high-end luxury items unless they are truly broken. If you are extremely angry, you might want a stronger word like trash or garbage. However, poor quality is safer for most situations. It keeps you sounding calm and professional even when you are annoyed.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, there is a big focus on "value for money." People expect things to last a reasonable amount of time. Calling something poor quality is a common way to express consumer rights. It is often used in the "fast fashion" debate. People worry about the poor quality of clothes that are meant to be thrown away quickly. It reflects a culture that values efficiency and durability.
Common Variations
You will often hear people say low quality instead. They are almost identical in meaning. You might also hear subpar in a more formal business setting. In very casual slang, someone might call a poor quality item cheesy or tacky. If it is a cheap imitation, they might call it a knock-off. Stick to poor quality for the best balance of clarity and politeness.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any context. It is a 'Level B1' staple because it allows you to complain or critique without being offensive.
Use 'of' for extra punch
Saying 'This is of poor quality' sounds much more authoritative and serious than just 'This is poor quality.'
Avoid 'poorly quality'
This is the #1 mistake. Always check if you are using the adjective 'poor' or the adverb 'poorly'.
Polite complaining
In English, 'poor quality' is a great 'polite' way to complain without using swear words or being too aggressive.
Examples
6I returned the shoes because they were of poor quality.
I returned the shoes because they were of poor quality.
A standard way to explain a return to a store.
The special effects were such poor quality that I laughed.
The special effects were such poor quality that I laughed.
Used here to describe digital work rather than a physical object.
We cannot release this software with such poor quality code.
We cannot release this software with such poor quality code.
Used to maintain professional standards in a workplace.
This keychain is poor quality; it broke in my pocket!
This keychain is poor quality; it broke in my pocket!
Expressing frustration over a small, cheap purchase.
The poor quality of these paper plates is a disaster waiting to happen.
The poor quality of these paper plates is a disaster waiting to happen.
Using the phrase to make a joke about a potential mess.
It was a nice gesture, but the sweater was unfortunately poor quality.
It was a nice gesture, but the sweater was unfortunately poor quality.
A gentle way to criticize something given with good intentions.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
I'm returning this chair because it is of such ______ ______.
'Of poor quality' is the correct formal structure.
Which sentence is the most natural for a professional product review?
Reviewing a new laptop:
This is the most standard and professional way to express the idea.
Match the synonym to the correct context.
1. Shoddy, 2. Substandard, 3. Poor
'Shoddy' implies carelessness, 'Substandard' implies failing a rule, and 'Poor' is general.
Fill in the missing line.
A: How was your flight? B: Not great. The ______ ______ ______ made it hard to watch the movie.
The adjective phrase 'poor quality' comes before the noun 'screen'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Quality Spectrum
Where to use 'Poor Quality'
Products
- • Clothes
- • Electronics
- • Toys
Abstract
- • Sleep
- • Air
- • Service
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI'm returning this chair because it is of such ______ ______.
'Of poor quality' is the correct formal structure.
Reviewing a new laptop:
This is the most standard and professional way to express the idea.
1. Shoddy, 2. Substandard, 3. Poor
'Shoddy' implies carelessness, 'Substandard' implies failing a rule, and 'Poor' is general.
A: How was your flight? B: Not great. The ______ ______ ______ made it hard to watch the movie.
The adjective phrase 'poor quality' comes before the noun 'screen'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral to formal. You can use it in a business report or when talking to a friend.
Yes, but 'poor quality' is more common in writing and professional settings.
High quality, premium, or top-tier.
No, it's better to use 'poor character' or 'bad person.'
Use a hyphen if it comes before a noun (e.g., 'a poor-quality shirt'), but no hyphen if it comes after (e.g., 'the shirt is poor quality').
Not necessarily. It can just mean it feels cheap or doesn't work as well as it should.
You can say 'I had poor quality sleep' or 'The quality of my sleep was poor.'
'Shoddy' is more informal and implies the person who made it was lazy.
Yes, 'very' is a common intensifier for this phrase.
This is a very common set phrase used in sociology and medicine.
Related Phrases
shoddy workmanship
specialized formWork done poorly and without care.
substandard
synonymBelow the required level or rule.
low-grade
similarOf inferior quality, often used for materials.
top-tier
contrastOf the highest quality.
