Definition of «poor substitute»

The phrase "poor substitute" means that something is not as good or effective as the original or preferred option.

Gluten - free foods as they are currently manufactured are very poor substitutes for wheat flour. (wheatbelly.com)
So, I've been on the hunt for the recipe ever since, trying out some pretty poor substitutes. (loveyourselfnaturally.com)
It's a mighty poor substitute, I believe. (oatmealwithafork.com)
(see all sentences)