1
a
: lacking material possessions
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by poverty
2
a
: less than adequate : meager
b
: small in worth
3
: exciting pity
you poor thing
4
6
: barren, unproductive
—used of land
7
8
: lacking a normal or adequate supply of something specified
—often used in combination
oil-poor countries
poorness
noun
Examples of poor in a Sentence
We were too poor to buy new clothes.
The organization helps poor families.
She has a poor vocabulary.
It was a poor attempt at a joke.
He is in poor condition.
She couldn't read the sign because her vision was too poor.
Recent Examples on the Web
This can manifest in poor financial behaviors like excessive credit card debt, minimal savings, or impulsive investment decisions.
—
Shane Enete, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Sharon is the first member of the coven to die after the first of the five trials; meanwhile, the rest of the coven fends off further danger, faces new challenges, and even adds a new member to their ranks, replacing poor Sharon almost immediately.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Long hours spent sitting at a desk, driving or looking at screens promote poor posture, where the upper back rounds forward, compressing the rib cage and restricting movement.
—Dana Santas, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
After a strong opening period that took the fans at Bridgestone Arena out of the game, the Leafs allowed the Predators to get back in it with a poor middle frame.
—Omar White, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poor
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Shane Enete, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Sharon is the first member of the coven to die after the first of the five trials; meanwhile, the rest of the coven fends off further danger, faces new challenges, and even adds a new member to their ranks, replacing poor Sharon almost immediately.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Long hours spent sitting at a desk, driving or looking at screens promote poor posture, where the upper back rounds forward, compressing the rib cage and restricting movement.
—Dana Santas, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
After a strong opening period that took the fans at Bridgestone Arena out of the game, the Leafs allowed the Predators to get back in it with a poor middle frame.
—Omar White, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poor
Cite this Entry
“Poor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poor. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
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