quality
quality — noun
1. the degree to which something is good, useful, or satisfactory, especially when
the degree to which something is good, useful, or satisfactory, especially when compared against other things of the same type
The quality of the water in this area has improved since the treatment plant opened.
quality of [something]
Lakshmi checks the quality of every item before it leaves the factory.
check the quality of
Poor quality materials can create serious safety problems in a building.
The hotel manager is working hard to improve the quality of service guests receive.
文法句型
quality of [something]
[adjective] quality
用法筆記
This is the most general sense. It is commonly paired with adjectives like good, high, poor, or low to show a specific level. Quality is uncountable in this sense, so it takes a singular verb.
常見錯誤
2. a high standard that makes people trust or admire a product, service, or piece o
a high standard that makes people trust or admire a product, service, or piece of work
This restaurant is famous for its quality — the ingredients are always fresh.
famous/known for its quality
Christopher insists on quality even when buying everyday items like towels.
The furniture here has a quality you can feel the moment you sit on it.
For the Yamashita family, quality matters more than price when choosing a car.
- excellence
stronger and more formal; suggests something is outstanding
- superiority
emphasises being better than others; more formal
- value
focuses on worth relative to price paid
- inferiority
the state of being lower in standard
文法句型
known for quality
quality matters
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1, this sense does not indicate a degree — it simply implies that something has reached a high standard. Common in brand-promotion and reputation contexts.
常見錯誤
3. the degree of comfort, health, and happiness that someone experiences in their e
the degree of comfort, health, and happiness that someone experiences in their everyday existence
Retirement has greatly improved her quality of life — she finally has time to paint.
improve quality of life
Noise from the airport reduces the quality of life for people living nearby.
Good healthcare is essential for a decent quality of life in any community.
The city council is planting more trees to improve quality of life in crowded areas.
- well-being
broader; includes emotional and physical health without the fixed-phrase pattern
- standard of living
focuses on material wealth and income rather than happiness
文法句型
quality of life
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed phrase quality of life. It takes modifiers like good, poor, high, or low. Common in discussions about urban planning, healthcare, and social policy.
常見錯誤
4. convenience-oriented design elements in software, games, or websites that make t
convenience-oriented design elements in software, games, or websites that make the user experience smoother
The latest patch added several quality-of-life improvements to the game menu system.
quality-of-life improvements
Auto-save is one of those quality features that users appreciate without noticing it.
Players praised the studio for adding quality changes that simplified inventory management.
This editing tool has small quality upgrades like automatic bracket matching and smart tabs.
- convenience features
clearer non-technical alternative; describes the same concept
- usability improvements
more formal; used in software documentation
文法句型
quality-of-life [noun]
quality features
用法筆記
Used mainly in computing and gaming contexts, often as the compound modifier quality-of-life. Not used to mean a feature that is good — it specifically refers to convenience-focused design adjustments.
常見錯誤
5. a particular feature, attribute, or part of someone character that defines or di
a particular feature, attribute, or part of someone character that defines or distinguishes them
Patience is one of the qualities that make Hannah a great elementary school teacher.
[noun] is one of the qualities that
This fabric has a unique quality — it stays cool even under direct summer sunlight.
Rachel has developed strong leadership qualities since she began coaching the junior team.
The stone has an unusual quality — it glows softly when UV light hits it.
- trait
used mostly for personality; suggests a stable, inherited feature
- attribute
more abstract or assigned; can be positive or neutral
- characteristic
more neutral and technical; marks what makes something distinct
文法句型
quality of [someone/something]
[adjective] quality
用法筆記
Often used with of to specify who or what the quality belongs to (the quality of honesty; a quality of the leather). When describing people, it typically refers to positive traits, though it can be neutral for objects.
常見錯誤
quality — adjective
1. built or produced using good materials and careful work, resulting in something
built or produced using good materials and careful work, resulting in something solid and reliable
Romi only buys quality furniture that will last for many years in her home.
quality + noun (furniture, tools, materials)
The restaurant uses quality ingredients sourced from local farms near the city.
It is worth paying extra for quality tools because they do not break easily.
The hotel provides quality service at a price that most families can afford.
- high-quality
more explicit; avoids ambiguity with the noun form
- well-made
focuses on construction and craftsmanship
- premium
marketing term suggesting top-tier materials or positioning
文法句型
quality + noun
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively before a noun (attributive position). Unlike the noun senses, it cannot be used after linking verbs in formal writing.
常見錯誤
2. extremely impressive or satisfying; of a very high standard that leaves a strong
extremely impressive or satisfying; of a very high standard that leaves a strong positive impression
Théo gave a quality performance in the final match and scored two goals.
quality + [performance/result/experience]
That documentary was quality — I learned more from it than from any textbook.
Tuan cooked a quality meal for the whole family using a traditional recipe.
Lan's school offers a quality education with small classes and experienced teachers.
- excellent
more formal and widely acceptable in all registers
- top-notch
informal; similar register to quality but more colloquial
- first-rate
slightly formal; suggests something is among the best
文法句型
quality + noun
be quality (informal)
用法筆記
More subjective and emphatic than sense 1. Sense 1 describes inherent solidity; sense 2 describes an overall excellent experience. Used predicatively in informal speech: 'That film was quality.'