Quality
UK /["/ˈkwɒləti/"]/US /["/ˈkwɑːləti/"]/
Definition
the standard of something when it is compared to other things like it; how good or bad something is
In simple words: How good or bad something is.
Examples
- The quality of this fabric is very high, making it a great choice for clothing.
- We need to ensure the quality of our products meets customer expectations.
- Her work is known for its excellent quality, which is why she has so many clients.
- Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to educational materials.
- The restaurant is famous for the quality of its food and service.
Usage notes
Use 'quality' when talking about the standard of something. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful not to confuse it with quantity, which refers to how much there is.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'quality' as 'qua-lity' — imagine a quality checker with a magnifying glass inspecting details.
Collocations
- excellent
- exceptional
- good
- maintain
- enhance
- improve
- vary
- improve
- go down
- control
- assurance
- standards
- of…quality
- quality of life
- excellent
- exceptional
- good
- maintain
- enhance
- improve
- vary
- improve
- go down
- control
- assurance
- standards
- of…quality
- quality of life
- admirable
- desirable
- endearing
- have
- possess
- display
- admirable
- desirable
- endearing
- have
- possess
- display
Synonyms
- excellence
Antonyms
- inferiority
- poor quality
- badness
Common mistakes
- 'Quality' vs 'qualities': Confusing the term referring to standard with the plural form referring to characteristics.
- Using 'quality' as a verb: The word 'quality' is only a noun.
- Saying 'good quality' too often: Try varying your descriptions to avoid repetition.