poor

adjective

\ ˈpu̇r,

ˈpȯr

Definition of poor

1a : lacking material possessions

b : of, relating to, or characterized by poverty

2a : less than adequate : meager

b : small in worth

3 : exciting pity you poor thing

4a : 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

Other Words from poor Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about poor

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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

Between 2012 and 2016, the overall cancer death rate was about 20 percent higher for people who live in the poorest counties in the U.S. compared with those who live in the most affluent counties. — Korin Miller, SELF, "Cancer Deaths Have Declined 27 Percent in 25 Years, But Not Everyone Is Seeing the Same Benefit," 8 Jan. 2019 Meanwhile, poorer countries did not see the same gains. — Julia Belluz, Vox, "We’re making real progress against cancer. But you may not know it if you’re poor.," 8 Jan. 2019 In its letter, Apple addresses a number of other mitigating factors that certainly contribute to the poor showing for the first quarter of 2019. — Eric Limer, Popular Mechanics, "Apple's in Trouble for the First Time in a Long Time, And You Already Know Why," 3 Jan. 2019 But some studies show that even those with a poor tolerance for dairy can often digest one serving of yogurt daily. — Madelyn Fernstrom, NBC News, "Health Matters: Is a "detox diet" good or bad for your health?," 13 July 2018 The Brazilian number one endured a poor World Cup, where his side were defeated in the quarter finals to Roberto Martinez's Belgian side. — SI.com, "Roma Linked With AC Milan Forward Suso as Rossoneri Look to Ease Financial Worries," 13 July 2018 Moreover, the biggest wage gains in a tight labour market tend to accrue to the poorest workers. — The Economist, "Worker shortages could heal America’s economy," 12 July 2018 But generally speaking, poor cerebral blood flow can lead to brain tissue death and result in stroke, hemorrhage and other conditions, according to Healthline. — Laura Newberry, latimes.com, "Citing health study, Lancaster mayor wants to ban workplace necktie requirements for city employees," 12 July 2018 Sheep have poor eyesight, but have excellent hearing. — Justin Reutter, Cincinnati.com, "Ewe won't believe how Cheviot is celebrating its baaah-centennial," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'poor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.