A1 1K

Poor

UK /["/pɔː(r)//pʊə(r)/"]/ US /["/pʊr//pɔːr/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

having very little money; not having enough money for basic needs

Listen to definition

In simple words: Having little money or resources

Examples

• She is in a poor condition after the accident.
• They were so poor that they could barely afford food.
• His grades in school were poor last semester.
• The performance was poor and disappointed the audience.
• I feel poor today because I lost my wallet.

Usage notes

Use 'poor' to describe someone lacking money or in bad conditions. Avoid using it in formal reports where 'underprivileged' might be more suitable.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Imagine a 'poor' mouse that can’t find cheese.

Collocations

• poor health
• poor quality
• poor performance

Synonyms

• impoverished
• needy
• destitute
• indigent

Antonyms

• rich
• wealthy
• affluent

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'pore' (the skin opening)
• Using 'poor' as a noun (should use 'the poor')
• Saying 'poorness', which is not standard