Poor is an adjective meaning lacking financial or other means of subsistence and often used as a disparaging term. It can also be used as a noun referring to the poor collectively or as a descriptive word for something that is deficient in amount, quality, or resources. The word poor can also be combined with another adjective to create compound adjectives such as rich-poor or poor-quality. In some contexts, it can also be used as a noun phrase indicating someone who deserves pity due to their unfortunate circumstances. Examples of using poor in a sentence include:
- The country had a poor economy which led to high unemployment rates.
- She received a poor salary despite working hard.
- The region was poor in wild flowers, making it difficult for tourists to enjoy nature's beauty.
- His performance in the play was so poor that it disappointed both the audience and the director.
- Poor John is ill again, and we should try to support him during his recovery.
- A poor man's dinner may consist of rice and beans, but they are filling and nourishing.
- He always carries around his phone, even though he only has a poor connection.
In summary, when used as an adjective, poor implies a lack of resources or financial stability. Its use as a noun refers to the collective group of people who live in poverty. When combined with another adjective, it can indicate a relationship between two attributes such as rich-poor. Poor can also be used to describe something that is not up to standard or lacking in quality.
The pronunciation of the word "poor" can vary across different dialects within North and Mid-North America. In these dialects, the vowel in "poor" is often pronounced as [oo]. This contrasts with words such as "pour" and "shore", which are typically pronounced [p, oo, r], [sh, oo, r] respectively. In addition, there are dialects where the vowel in "poor" is pronounced [aw] or [oh]. These two types of pronunciation have been observed in areas including the British Isles.
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Derived Forms
ˈpoorness
noun
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OtherWordsFrom
poor·ness
noun
non·poor
noun
qua·si-poor
adjective
qua·si-poor·ly
adverb
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Word History and Origins
origin of poor
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English pov(e)re, from Old French povre, from Latin pauper; pauper Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of poor
C13: from Old French povre, see pauper , poverty
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Example Sentences
Indeed, when the first asylums were created, the poor and the mad were locked up together with the rest of society’s outcasts. A House committee took the proposal further this week, replacing Hogan’s $750 payments to 400,000 poor families with a three-year anti-poverty plan that would increase the Earned Income Tax Credit.Poor, impecunious, impoverished, penniless refer to those lacking money. Poor is the simple term for the condition of lacking means to obtain the comforts of life: a very poor family. Impecunious often suggests that the poverty is a consequence of unwise habits: an impecunious actor. Impoverished often implies a former state of greater plenty, from which one has been reduced: the impoverished aristocracy. Penniless may mean destitute, or it may apply simply to a temporary condition of being without funds: The widow was left penniless with three small children.
According to city data, the wealthier wards had kids returning to class at twice the rate as the poorest ward in the city. When selecting chairs, consider if they offer active sitting, as this type of chair strengthens your core while offering support for your lower back. Conversely, chairs with poor support can cause spinal alignment issues and lead to a potentially serious back injury.
A recent crash involving an Uber driver and passengers has caused concern among safety advocates. In a statement and short report, experts have concluded that the accident was caused by the pilot's "poor decision making" and spatial disorientation.
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay. It can be placed in drinking water, helping those who otherwise have poor access to dental care.
If a priest is found guilty of covering up abuse, it is important to hold them accountable. If he has his silence -- on top of poor judgment -- to blame, then he should be held responsible. However, it may also be linked to the way priests identify with the poor in the face of government and criminal abuses. Essentially, what they are saying is that the pilot had some connections or relationships with people who were poor.
For those living in poor communities, interactions with the police rarely come with good news or a friendly smile. One such individual is poor Squinty, who ran and tried to hide under a straw when he heard his name mentioned in conversation. Despite the negative connotations associated with his social status, he did believe the boy's words about him. In fact, they aligned with his own peculiar impressions of himself - a strange impression, but one that was all too familiar.
However, it is important to note that while poverty may bring sorrow and hardship, it does not have to define a person's character or future prospects. The poor must look ahead to a brighter tomorrow for consolation, rather than dwelling on their current circumstances. It is through hope and determination that they can overcome the challenges they face and achieve success beyond their station in life.
Y was a youth who did not enjoy school or academic pursuits, while Z was a mischievous and innocent fool known for causing trouble wherever he went. Despite their differences in personality and interests, both Y and Z were part of the same community, facing similar struggles to find their place in the world.
In conclusion, while poverty can create obstacles and hardships for those living in poor communities, it is possible to rise above these challenges with resilience and perseverance. As long as there is hope and a commitment to bettering oneself, anyone can achieve success and lead a fulfilling life.
