poor relation

noun

1. a person or thing considered inferior to another or others

   plastic is a poor relation of real leather

Idioms and Phrases

An inferior member of a group, as in Many regard Turkey as the poor relation in the European alliance. This expression, first recorded in 1720 for a family member in humble circumstances, began to be used figuratively in the mid-1900s.

Example Sentences

"They're aware their income is going to dry up at some stage. Their lifestyles are quite lavish, they're mixing in upmarket circles and they don't want to be the poor relation."

Read more on BBC

General Practice has said their funding has been cut and practices have closed which social care remains the poor relation.

Read more on BBC

Historically, the Paralympic movement in the US has been a poor relation to the Olympics and frequently confused with the Special Olympics, but now it has been elevated and their athletes will want to make a big statement before their home Games in 2028.

Read more on BBC

Integrated education - schooling Catholic and Protestant children together - has long been the poor relation of Northern Ireland’s education system.

Read more on BBC

Since then, T20 cricket, The Hundred and other white-ball franchise competitions have grown in size and stature, leaving one-day cricket seemingly the poor relation of cricket's three main formats.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• aide 
• assistant 
• deputy 
• servant 
• underling