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
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
Orlik, who was seventy-seven, was in poor health and desperate to get his pictures back.
—
Sam Knight, New Yorker, 17 June 2025
Despite being poor, India’s democracy thrived as its leaders managed the country’s political fortunes through open competition.
—Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
Cities affected by the alert included Indio, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, La Quinta and Coachella.
To help keep indoor air clean when air quality is poor, officials advised avoiding additional sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, and incense.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
First touch poor, always wants to go on the inside and thought overall not great.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for poor
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Sam Knight, New Yorker, 17 June 2025
Despite being poor, India’s democracy thrived as its leaders managed the country’s political fortunes through open competition.
—Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
Cities affected by the alert included Indio, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, La Quinta and Coachella.
To help keep indoor air clean when air quality is poor, officials advised avoiding additional sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, and incense.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
First touch poor, always wants to go on the inside and thought overall not great.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for poor
Cite this Entry
“Poor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poor. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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