Quality

/ˈkwɒlɪti/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

The standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence.

/ˈkwɒlɪti/

nounpositiveBeginner
General

The degree of excellence of something.

The restaurant is known for its food quality.

💡 Simply: Quality is like how good something is. Is it a really good toy, or a so-so one? The quality shows how well something is made or how good it performs.

👶 For kids: How good something is. Like, if you have a really good toy, it has good quality!

More Examples

2

We strive to ensure the quality of our services.

3

The quality of the materials used in construction is paramount.

How It's Used

Business

"The company is known for the high quality of its products."

Arts

"The painting is remarkable for its artistic quality."

2

A characteristic or trait that is inherent or possessed by someone or something.

/ˈkwɒlɪti/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something.

Patience is an admirable quality.

💡 Simply: Quality can also be something special about someone. Is this person kind, brave, or funny? Those are qualities!

👶 For kids: A special thing about someone or something. Like being nice or strong.

More Examples

2

The book has a certain quality that makes it memorable.

3

Her leadership qualities were evident from a young age.

How It's Used

Psychology

"Empathy is a valuable quality in a therapist."

Personal Development

"Leadership is a key quality for any manager."

Tip:A 'quality' can be a special 'trait' you might find when you evaluate someone
3

Denoting a thing or things of high standard or excellence.

/ˈkwɒlɪti/

adjectivepositivemedium
General

Of high standard or excellence.

The store sells quality merchandise.

💡 Simply: If something is 'quality', it means it's the very best! Like a quality toy is the best toy to play with!

👶 For kids: When something is really, really good.

More Examples

2

We focus on providing quality customer service.

3

They are offering quality training programs.

How It's Used

Advertising

"We offer quality products at competitive prices."

Manufacturing

"The factory produces quality goods."

Tip:When something is 'quality', it's the 'best', like the quality of the materials is high.

Idioms & expressions

quality time

Time spent giving someone your full attention.

"We need to spend quality time together as a family."

in quality

The degree of excellence of something.

"These products are superior in quality."

From Latin *quālitās* ('property, attribute'), derived from *quālis* ('of what kind'). It entered Middle English via Old French, evolving to encompass degrees of excellence or value.

The word quality has been used since the 14th century and has been used for a broad variety of uses through history.

Memory tip

Think of a high-quality diamond, it’s more valuable because it meets a high standard.

qualitiyqualiltyquailty

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written