quality

qual|i|ty¹ W1S1 [ˈkwɔlıti US ˈkwa:-] n plural qualities

[Date: 1200-1300; : Old French; Origin: qualité, from Latin qualitas, from qualis 'of what kind']

1.) [U and C]

how good or bad something is

air/water etc quality

▪ The recent hot, humid weather is affecting air quality.

quality of

▪ the quality of research into the disease

be of poor/good/high etc quality

▪ Much of the land was of poor quality.

▪ Use only high quality ingredients.

2.) [C usually plural]

something that people may have as part of their character, for example courage or intelligence

→↑characteristic

▪ He shows strong leadership qualities .

▪ the personal qualities necessary to be a successful salesman

quality of

▪ the qualities of honesty and independence

3.)

something that is typical of one thing and makes it different from other things, for example size, colour etc

▪ the drug's addictive quality

quality of

▪ the physical and chemical qualities of the rock

4.) [U]

a high standard

▪ his pride in the quality of his craftsmanship

▪ wines of quality

5.) quality of life

how good or bad your life is, shown for example by whether or not you are happy, healthy, able to do what you want etc

▪ drugs that improve the quality of life for very ill patients

quality ²

quality² adj [only before noun]

1.) [no comparative]

very good - used especially by people who are trying to sell something

▪ quality child-care at prices people can afford

▪ quality double glazing

2.) quality newspapers/press etc

BrE newspapers etc intended for educated readers