English Profile

poor · adjective

/pʊr/Full view

poor (NO MONEY)

A1 having very little money or few possessions

Dictionary examples:

Most of these people are very poor.

Many medicines are too expensive for poorer countries to afford.

Learner example:

It cost 500 Euro [so] it isn't for poor people. (Key English Test; A2; French)

poor (SYMPATHY)

A2 always before noun used to show sympathy for someone

Dictionary examples:

The poor girl didn't have any friends.

That cold sounds terrible - poor you!

Learner example:

It was about one poor boy who lost his parents [at a] really young age. (Key English Test; A2; Russian)

poor (BAD)

B2 of very low quality

Dictionary examples:

poor health

Last year's exam results were poor.

a poor harvest

Learner example:

But the quality of [the] food was poor. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

poor (NO SKILL)

B2 not having much skill at a particular activity

Dictionary examples:

Her spelling has always been poor.

Sam's a poor swimmer.

Learner example:

Since I was a teenager, I've often drawn and painted but without any kind of teaching, so my tec[h]nique is poor. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

be poor in sth

B2 If something is poor in a particular substance, it has very little of the substance.

Dictionary example:

Avoid foods which are high in calories but poor in nutrients.

Learner example:

They couldn't avoid a diet poor in vitamins, because of the shortage of food. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

poor · noun

/pʊr/

the poor

C1 people who are poor

Dictionary example:

She spent her life working with the poor.

Learner example:

It is widely believed that under his management, Greece advanced economically and socially, made steps forward concerning the relationships with other countries and people, (especially the poor) loved him, for he made them feel important. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)