1. A joke that isn't funny: This is the most common meaning. It refers to a joke that fails to elicit laughter or amusement. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as:
* Bad delivery: The joke teller might not be able to convey the humor effectively.
* Lack of originality: The joke might be overused or unoriginal.
* Poor punchline: The punchline might be weak or anticlimactic.
* Inappropriate subject matter: The joke might be offensive or insensitive.
2. A joke that is poorly constructed: This refers to a joke that is grammatically incorrect, has logical inconsistencies, or lacks a clear narrative structure.
3. A joke that is told in a poorly-timed or inappropriate setting: This could be a joke that is told in a serious situation, or one that is just too long or drawn out.
4. A joke that is intentionally bad: Sometimes people will tell "bad jokes" on purpose for humorous effect. This is often done in a sarcastic or self-deprecating way.
Example Sentences:
* "That was such a poor joke, I think even the dog laughed." (meaning: the joke was not funny)
* "I tried to tell a poorly-constructed joke about a cat and a dog, but everyone just stared at me blankly." (meaning: the joke was confusing or illogical)
* "It was a poor time to tell a joke about the boss, right after he announced layoffs." (meaning: the joke was inappropriate for the situation)
Ultimately, whether a joke is considered "poor" is subjective and depends on the audience and the context.