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劣 (liè) — inferior, of low quality (formal, often in compounds)

Definition

劣 is a formal, written adjective meaning 'inferior' or 'of low quality.' It almost always appears in compounds like 劣势 (disadvantage) or 恶劣 (harsh), rarely standing alone.

adjective
inferiorof low quality (formal, often in compounds)

Examples

  • 。
    Zhè jiā gōng sī mài de dōu shì liè zhì chǎn pǐn.
    This company sells only inferior products.
  • 。
    Bǐ sài kāi shǐ hòu wǒ fāng yì zhí chǔ yú liè shì.
    Our side has been at a disadvantage since the start of the game.
  • ，。
    Zuì jìn tiān qì è liè, chū mén yào duō chuān yī fu.
    The weather has been harsh recently; wear more clothes when going out.

Origin

Compound ideograph
六书liùshū
会意huìyì

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

劣 combines 少 (little/less) with 力 (strength), showing less strength, hence bad or inferior.

Appears in
Good & Bad

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