poor relation

British  

noun

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

   plastic is a poor relation of real leather

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poor relation Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

Bayswater was long considered the poor relation of its ultradesirable London neighbors Notting Hill and Marylebone, but new development is driving up home prices in the area.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Your weird little rat’s nest—I always assumed that Tess must be taking pity on a poor relation. But you’re rich, richer even than my family.”

From Literature

"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."

From 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.

From BBC

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

From BBC

Related Words

• aide
• assistant
• deputy
• servant
• underling