Is poor a polite word?

Yes, it is usually polite and common. But for people, **low-income** or **needy** can sound softer in some contexts.

What is the difference between poor and poor quality?

**Poor** can describe a person with little money. **Poor quality** means something is not good or does not work well.

Can poor be used for test results?

Yes. You can say **poor results**, **poor marks**, or **poor performance**.

← Dictionary

poor

/pʊə/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Having little money or few things. It can describe a person, family, place, or country. It can also mean low quality or weak in some way.

They were too poor to buy a car.
The hotel room was poor and uncomfortable.
She gave a poor answer in class.

Adinary Nuance

Poor is broader and more direct than needy or destitute. It usually means lacking money, but it can also mean weak quality or low ability. In careful writing, impoverished sounds more formal and specific, especially for people or communities.

In other languages

Vietnamese: nghèo
Spanish: pobre
Chinese: 贫穷
Japanese: 貧しい
Korean: 가난한

Etymology

Poor comes from Old French pover or poure, from Latin pauper, meaning “not rich.” It entered English in the Middle English period.

Common phrases

poor countrypoor performancethe poorpoor quality

Synonyms

needy broke impoverished destitute

Related words

wealthy pennyless low-income deprived

Frequently asked questions

Is poor a polite word?: Yes, it is usually polite and common. But for people, **low-income** or **needy** can sound softer in some contexts.
What is the difference between poor and poor quality?: **Poor** can describe a person with little money. **Poor quality** means something is not good or does not work well.
Can poor be used for test results?: Yes. You can say **poor results**, **poor marks**, or **poor performance**.