poor

play

adjective \ˈpu̇r, ˈpȯr\

Simple Definition of poor

: having little money or few possessions : not having enough money for the basic things that people need to live properly
: having a very small amount of something
: not good in quality or condition

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of poor

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 a : inferior in quality or value b : humble, unpretentious c : mean, petty
5 : lean, emaciated
6 : barren, unproductive —used of land
7 : indifferent, unfavorable
8 : lacking a normal or adequate supply of something specified —often used in combination <oil-poor countries>

poorish

play \-ish\ adjective

poorness

noun

See poor defined for English-language learners

See poor defined for kids

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.

Origin and Etymology of poor

Middle English poure, from Anglo-French povre, pore, from Latin pauper; akin to Latin paucus little and to Latin parere to give birth to, produce — more at few, pare

First Known Use: 13th century