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
Synonyms
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
The Texans’ offensive line was mostly poor this season, unable to consistently protect Stroud.
—
The Athletic Nfl Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Understand that poor sleep hygiene can negatively impact the quantity and quality of sleep.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 24 Jan. 2025
Allergies can cause the nasal passage to become blocked, which can lead to poor sleep quality.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
According to local news outlet NBC Los Angeles, the school district has moved all outdoor activities indoors to avoid any student exposure to poor air quality from the Hughes Fire.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for poor 
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The Athletic Nfl Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Understand that poor sleep hygiene can negatively impact the quantity and quality of sleep.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 24 Jan. 2025
Allergies can cause the nasal passage to become blocked, which can lead to poor sleep quality.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
According to local news outlet NBC Los Angeles, the school district has moved all outdoor activities indoors to avoid any student exposure to poor air quality from the Hughes Fire.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for poor
Articles Related to poor
Dictionary Entries Near poor
Cite this Entry
“Poor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poor. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
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