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
Though Osbourne had a farewell tour set to begin in 2023, he was forced to cancel the shows due to poor health.
—
Rosa Rahimi, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025
Lopetegui was eventually sacked on January 8, having failed to fix West Ham’s poor form.
—Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 5 Feb. 2025
In January 2024, a third-party probe into Cruise revealed that culture issues, ineptitude and poor leadership were at the center of regulatory oversights and cover-up concerns that had plagued the company.
—Michael Wayland,hayden Field, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
In cities such as Chicago, these poor policies have led to building costs spiking, permitting delays and development nosediving.
—Micky Horstman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for poor 
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Rosa Rahimi, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025
Lopetegui was eventually sacked on January 8, having failed to fix West Ham’s poor form.
—Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 5 Feb. 2025
In January 2024, a third-party probe into Cruise revealed that culture issues, ineptitude and poor leadership were at the center of regulatory oversights and cover-up concerns that had plagued the company.
—Michael Wayland,hayden Field, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
In cities such as Chicago, these poor policies have led to building costs spiking, permitting delays and development nosediving.
—Micky Horstman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 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 8 Feb. 2025.
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