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Low-quality item: meaning, definitions and examples

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low-quality item

[ ˈləʊ ˈkwɒlɪti ˈaɪtəm ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

product description

An item that does not meet the expected standard of quality, often due to defects or poor craftsmanship. Low-quality items may have imperfections, damages, or malfunctioning parts.

Synonyms

defective item, inferior item, substandard product.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
low-quality item	Use when referring to products made with poor materials or craftsmanship. The low-quality item broke after just one use
inferior item	Use when referring to products that are of lesser quality compared to others in the same category. This term has a slightly negative connotation. Despite its attractive price, it's an inferior item that won't last long
substandard product	Use when describing products that do not meet the usual standards of quality. This term has a strongly negative connotation. Consumers were upset with the substandard product they received from the new manufacturer
defective item	Use when referring to products that have faults or are not functioning correctly. We need to return this defective item because it doesn't work as advertised

Examples of usage

This low-quality item has scratches and dents all over.
The company received complaints about the low-quality items they sold.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general usage

Something that is of inferior quality compared to similar items or products. It may not perform as well or last as long as higher-quality alternatives.

Synonyms

cheap item, inferior merchandise, shoddy product.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
low-quality item	This term is used when describing something that does not meet expected standards. This could be due to poor materials, workmanship, or performance. The low-quality item broke after one use
cheap item	This phrase is typically used to describe something that is inexpensive. However, it can also imply that the item is of low quality, though that is not always the case. I bought a cheap item from the dollar store
shoddy product	This phrase carries a strongly negative connotation and is used to describe items that are very poorly made, often implying they were made with disregard for quality. This shoddy product fell apart within a week
inferior merchandise	This term is more formal and is often used in business or retail settings to describe products that do not meet quality standards. It can be used in both negative and neutral contexts. The store had to recall the inferior merchandise

Examples of usage

The store was offering discounts on low-quality items to clear their inventory.
I regret buying this low-quality item; it broke after just a few uses.

Translations

Translations of the word "low-quality item" in other languages:

🇵🇹 item de baixa qualidade

🇮🇳 निम्न-गुणवत्ता वाली वस्तु

🇩🇪 Artikel von geringer Qualität

🇮🇩 barang berkualitas rendah

🇺🇦 низькоякісний предмет

🇵🇱 przedmiot niskiej jakości

🇯🇵 低品質のアイテム

🇫🇷 article de mauvaise qualité

🇪🇸 artículo de baja calidad

🇹🇷 düşük kaliteli ürün

🇰🇷 저품질 항목

🇸🇦 عنصر منخفض الجودة

🇨🇿 nízkokvalitní položka

🇸🇰 nekvalitný predmet

🇨🇳 低质量项目

🇸🇮 nizkokakovosten predmet

🇮🇸 lág-gæða hlutur

🇰🇿 сапасыз зат

🇬🇪 დაბალი ხარისხის ნივთი

🇦🇿 aşağı keyfiyyətli əşya

🇲🇽 artículo de baja calidad

Etymology

The term 'low-quality item' emerged in the context of consumerism and manufacturing, reflecting a growing awareness of quality standards in products. As industries expanded and competition increased, the distinction between high-quality and low-quality items became more pronounced. Consumers began to demand better value for their money, leading to a focus on quality control and product improvement. Today, the concept of low-quality items is central to discussions on consumer rights, sustainability, and ethical production practices.