Meaning
This adjective describes something that is both rough (粗) and of poor quality (劣). It's used to characterize objects, workmanship, or materials that are coarse, poorly made, or substandard. The word carries a negative connotation and suggests something is not only rough in appearance or texture but fundamentally inferior in quality.
Usage
Commonly used in formal or written contexts to criticize the quality of products, materials, or craftsmanship. Often appears in product reviews, quality assessments, or historical descriptions of poor living conditions. Native speakers might use it to describe counterfeit goods, cheap imitations, or poorly manufactured items.
Examples
- 01这些仿冒品制作粗劣，一眼就能看出来。, .These counterfeit goods are shoddily made; you can tell at a glance.
- 02由于材料粗劣，这座桥在建成不到十年就出现了问题。, .Due to the inferior materials, this bridge developed problems in less than ten years after its construction.
Characters
Common collocations
- 粗劣的产品shoddy products
- 制作粗劣shoddily made
- 材料粗劣inferior materials
Antonyms
Origin
Compound word combining 粗 (rough/coarse) and 劣 (inferior), with both characters reinforcing the negative quality assessment.