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
This can occur in people with diabetes, nerve damage, or poor blood circulation, as these issues can prevent them from noticing foot sores until they are already infected.
—
Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2024
When mice that were genetically modified to have Alzheimer's disease were given the compound, their previously poor performance in a maze improved to equal that of healthy mice.
—New Atlas, 8 Aug. 2024
Trump and Biden debated on June 27, and the incumbent president's poor performance led to the change at the top of the Democratic ticket.
—David Jackson, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2024
Additionally, poor hydration can lead to signs of fatigue, which is a common concern for many.
—María Quiles, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for poor 
Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2024
When mice that were genetically modified to have Alzheimer's disease were given the compound, their previously poor performance in a maze improved to equal that of healthy mice.
—New Atlas, 8 Aug. 2024
Trump and Biden debated on June 27, and the incumbent president's poor performance led to the change at the top of the Democratic ticket.
—David Jackson, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2024
Additionally, poor hydration can lead to signs of fatigue, which is a common concern for many.
—María Quiles, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for poor
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'poor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Poor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poor. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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