When it comes to expressing the idea of lack or insufficiency, there are a variety of synonyms that can be used in place of the phrase "is poor". Some of these may include "is inadequate", "is insufficient", "is lacking", "is deficient", "is scarce", "is meagre", "is paltry", "is limited", "is wanting" or "is unsatisfactory". Each of these words can help to convey the same general sense of something being less than desirable or not reaching a certain standard. By using different synonyms for "is poor", writers can add nuance and variability to their language, helping their writing to feel more dynamic and engaging.