quality
KWO-lih-tee
Quality (noun) means the overall standard or excellence of something, as opposed to how much of it there is. Example: “The restaurant is known for the quality of its ingredients, not the size of its portions.”
noun
1
The overall standard or excellence of something, as opposed to how much of it there is.
"The restaurant is known for the quality of its ingredients, not the size of its portions."
"I would rather buy one item of good quality than three cheap ones."
"The quality of the sound on this old recording is surprisingly clear."
2
A particular characteristic or trait.
"Patience is one of her best qualities."
"The wood has a warm, grainy quality that suits the design."
"Kindness is a quality that everyone admires in a good teacher."
How to use quality
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow good something is, or a specific trait/feature that something has.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "quality" (how good) with "quantity" (how much) — they're often contrasted directly.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
high quality
quality time
a redeeming quality
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Word forms
- Plural
- qualities
Fill the gap
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The restaurant is known for the _____ of its ingredients, not the size of its portions.
Etymology
From Latin qualitas, coined by Cicero as a direct translation of the Greek poiotes, itself invented by Plato from poios, "of what kind."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for quality
See all rhymes for quality →Frequently asked questions
What does “quality” mean?
The word “quality” means the overall standard or excellence of something, as opposed to how much of it there is. In plain terms, how good something is, or a specific trait/feature that something has.
How do you pronounce “quality”?
“Quality” is pronounced KWO-lih-tee (/ˈkwɑləti/ in IPA).
How do you use “quality” in a sentence?
Here is “quality” used in a sentence: “The restaurant is known for the quality of its ingredients, not the size of its portions.”
What part of speech is “quality”?
“Quality” is a noun.
Where does the word “quality” come from?
The word “quality” comes from Latin. From Latin qualitas, coined by Cicero as a direct translation of the Greek poiotes, itself invented by Plato from poios, "of what kind.".
Is “quality” a common word?
“Quality” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “quality” have?
“Quality” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the overall standard or excellence of something, as opposed to how much of it there is.
What is the difference between quality and quantity?
Quality is about how good something is, meaning its standard or excellence. Quantity is about how much or how many there are, meaning an amount or number. The saying 'quality over quantity' captures this: it's often better to have a few excellent things than a large number of mediocre ones.
How is quality measured?
Quality is judged against standards, specifications, and expectations. Manufacturers use testing, inspections, defect rates, and durability trials, while services rely on customer satisfaction and reviews. Some aspects, like how long a product lasts, are clearly measurable; others depend on perception, so quality is assessed through both hard data and judgement.
Is quality subjective or objective?
It's partly both. Some elements of quality are objective and measurable, such as durability, precision, or how well something meets its specification. Others are subjective, shaped by taste, expectation, and personal preference, so one person's high quality is another's average. Good quality usually combines measurable performance with satisfying the people who use it.
What does 'high quality' mean?
'High quality' means made to a superior standard, being well designed, carefully constructed, reliable, and often durable. A high-quality item performs its job well and lasts, meeting or exceeding what people expect. The phrase judges excellence, not amount, so a single high-quality tool can outclass a whole box of cheap ones.
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