poor relation
Neglected family member
A poor relation is someone or something regarded as inferior or neglected compared to others in the same category.
Originally referring to a less prosperous family member dependent on wealthier relatives, the phrase now applies broadly: Public transit has long been the poor relation of transportation policy.
The term implies something deserving better treatment than it receives.
- stepchildSpouse's prior offspring
- red-headed stepchildUnfairly neglected person
- ugly ducklingInitially unpromising eventual success
- black sheepDisreputable family member
- subordinateOne lower in rank
underdog · lesser · neglected · secondary · inferior · second-class citizen · insignificant · afterthought · uncle · cousin · also-ran · second fiddle · aunt · nephew · niece · overshadowed · back burner · low priority
- soap operassoap opera, telenovela, melodrama, cliffhanger, amnesia
- Literary AuntsAunt Polly
poor relationgolden child
Family's most favored member
favorite · pride and joy · star · crown jewel · blue-eyed boy
poor relationflagship
Commander's principal vessel
crown jewel · centerpiece · priority · main attraction · jewel in the crown
poor relationcrown jewel
Most valued possession
flagship · star · jewel in the crown · centerpiece · showpiece
poor, poorer, poorest, poorly, poorness, impoverish, impoverished, impoverishment, relation