poor relation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Idiomatic
Quick answer
What does “poor relation” mean?
A person or thing considered inferior or less important compared to another in the same category or family.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing considered inferior or less important compared to another in the same category or family.
An individual, group, department, or object that is treated as secondary, receives less attention, funding, or respect, and is often seen as the weaker or less successful counterpart.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is equally common and understood in both dialects. There is no significant variation in usage.
Connotations
Universally carries connotations of neglect, underfunding, lower status, and perceived inferiority.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both formal writing and speech; slightly more common in British media commentary on regional or institutional disparity.
Grammar
How to Use “poor relation” in a Sentence
[X] is the poor relation of [Y][Y] treats [X] as its poor relation[X] has long been the poor relationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “poor relation” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The arts have a poor-relation status in the current budget.
American English
- The arts have a poor-relation status in the current budget.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a division or product line that receives less investment and generates lower profits.
Academic
Used to describe a discipline or field considered less rigorous or prestigious than others.
Everyday
Applied to anything perceived as inferior, e.g., 'My old laptop is the poor relation of his new one.'
Technical
Rare in highly technical contexts; more common in socio-economic or policy analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “poor relation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “poor relation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “poor relation”
- Using 'poor relative' interchangeably (possible but less idiomatic). Confusing it with literal poverty. Incorrectly using it as an adjective (e.g., 'a poor relation department' – should be 'the poor relation').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is idiomatic but acceptable in formal writing, particularly in analytical or critical contexts.
Yes, it can refer literally to a less wealthy family member, but more commonly it is used metaphorically for things or groups.
An 'underdog' is in a competition and may inspire support. A 'poor relation' is in a state of chronic, often accepted, inferiority within a family or system, with less connotation of a potential comeback.
Potentially yes, as it explicitly labels someone as inferior within their own family or group. Use with caution in literal contexts.
A person or thing considered inferior or less important compared to another in the same category or family.
Poor relation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpʊə rɪˈleɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpʊr rɪˈleɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the Cinderella service/department (similar concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a family portrait where one person is faded and smaller than the others – the POORly treated RELATIVE.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL/FAMILIAL HIERARCHY IS APPLIED TO OTHER DOMAINS (e.g., 'Arts funding is the poor relation of science funding.').
Practice
Quiz
In a corporate context, calling a department 'the poor relation' implies it: