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

A spinster who was a poor relation was the only person of respectable breeding who ever came near them.

From Project Gutenberg

At most, she only looks upon him as a kind of poor relation that ought to put up with anything.

From Project Gutenberg

She had been the poor relation, the daughter of a dreaming failure.

From Project Gutenberg

Robert Moncton had been reconciled to his son, and I was once more regarded as only a poor relation.

From Project Gutenberg

I am rich, trust in me, and the world shall never sneer at you as a poor relation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• aide
• assistant
• deputy
• servant
• underling