WordPress.DB.SlowDBQuery.slow_db_query_meta_key
slow db query meta key
A query pattern is likely to be slow on larger WordPress sites.
Why It Shows Up
The scan found query arguments such as broad meta queries, tax queries, or unindexed lookups that commonly become expensive as content grows.
Why It Matters
A query that feels fine on a small test site can become a production bottleneck on large stores, membership sites, or publishers.
How to Fix
- Avoid broad `meta_query`, `tax_query`, and unindexed searches on front-end requests when possible.
- Cache expensive results with transients, object cache, or precomputed data.
- Add narrower constraints, pagination, and indexes when custom tables are appropriate.
References
Affected Plugins
| Rank | Plugin | Score | Errors | Warnings | Installs | Updated | Top Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #751 | Jetpack Social | 49 | 812 | 239 | 30k+ | Text Domain Mismatch | |
| #752 | OneClick Chat to Order | 49 | 677 | 41 | 40k+ | Text Domain Mismatch | |
| #753 | Product Slider, Product Grid, Product Masonry | 49 | 55 | 144 | 10k+ | wp function not compatible with requires wp | |
| #754 | Block IPs for Gravity Forms | 50 | 8 | 36 | 1k+ | Missing Unslash | |
| #755 | Product Open Pricing (Name Your Price) for WooCommerce | 50 | 105 | 37 | 6k+ | Text Domain Mismatch | |
| #756 | Send Emails with Mandrill | 50 | 36 | 141 | 6k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #757 | Quotes and Tips by BestWebSoft | 51 | 485 | 190 | 1k+ | Text Domain Mismatch | |
| #758 | REST API Log | 51 | 44 | 95 | 5k+ | Non Prefixed Hookname Found | |
| #759 | YayMail – WooCommerce Email Customizer | 51 | 162 | 762 | 50k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #760 | Starbox – the Author Box for Humans | 52 | 144 | 19 | 10k+ | Non Singular String Literal Domain | |
| #761 | Price Based on Country for WooCommerce | 52 | 43 | 126 | 20k+ | Non Prefixed Hookname Found | |
| #762 | Automattic For Agencies Client | 53 | 249 | 184 | 20k+ | Text Domain Mismatch | |
| #763 | FakerPress | 53 | 66 | 152 | 10k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #764 | aBlocks – Gutenberg Blocks, User Dashboard Builder, Popup Builder, Form Builder & Animation Builder | 54 | 8 | 382 | 2k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #765 | Disqus Comment System | 54 | 17 | 33 | 40k+ | Non Prefixed Hookname Found | |
| #766 | Accordions | 55 | 1 | 101 | 20k+ | slow db query meta query | |
| #767 | JetWidgets For Elementor | 55 | 99 | 274 | 10k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #768 | Refer A Friend for WooCommerce by WPGens | 55 | 77 | 21 | 1k+ | Text Domain Mismatch | |
| #769 | Semrush Content Toolkit | 55 | 22 | 24 | 2k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #770 | VS Contact Form | 55 | 3 | 318 | 7k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #771 | MAS Brands for WooCommerce | 56 | 80 | 15 | 10k+ | Text Domain Mismatch | |
| #772 | TextBuilder | 56 | 20 | 34 | 4k+ | Missing Arg Domain | |
| #773 | WP-Optimize – Cache, Compress images, Minify & Clean database to boost page speed & performance | 56 | 5 | 769 | 1m+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #774 | iConvert Promoter | 57 | 98 | 217 | 1k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #775 | Internal Link Juicer: SEO Auto Linker for WordPress | 57 | 12 | 61 | 90k+ | Unescaped DBParameter | |
| #776 | Ultimate Member – Terms & Conditions | 57 | 19 | 9 | 4k+ | Output Not Escaped | |
| #777 | Sequential Order Numbers for WooCommerce | 57 | 9 | 24 | 10k+ | Interpolated Not Prepared | |
| #778 | Houzez WooCommerce Addon | 58 | 22 | 21 | 4k+ | Missing Translators Comment | |
| #779 | Videopack | 58 | 28 | 108 | 10k+ | Input Not Sanitized | |
| #780 | View Admin As | 58 | 307 | 135 | 9k+ | Non Singular String Literal Domain | |
| #781 | Boxzilla – WordPress Popup Builder | 59 | 5 | 73 | 20k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #782 | Getty Images | 59 | 11 | 46 | 2k+ | Missing | |
| #783 | Ultimate Gift Cards for WooCommerce | 59 | 3 | 448 | 7k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #784 | Genesis Featured Widget Amplified | 60 | 126 | 12 | 2k+ | Text Domain Mismatch | |
| #785 | Stream | 60 | 24 | 99 | 80k+ | Direct Query | |
| #786 | WoowGallery | 60 | 15 | 178 | 1k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #787 | GetPaid Stripe Payments | 61 | 206 | 44 | 2k+ | Text Domain Mismatch | |
| #788 | Team Showcase | 61 | 1 | 125 | 1k+ | slow db query meta key | |
| #789 | More Sorting Options for WooCommerce | 61 | 27 | 17 | 3k+ | Output Not Escaped | |
| #790 | Carousel Slider | 62 | 71 | 30k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | ||
| #791 | Essential Addons for Elementor – Popular Elementor Templates & Widgets | 62 | 80 | 185 | 2m+ | wp function not compatible with requires wp | |
| #792 | Simple Membership After Login Redirection | 63 | 4 | 24 | 10k+ | Missing | |
| #793 | JTL-Connector for WooCommerce | 64 | 7 | 166 | 1k+ | Direct Query | |
| #794 | Creta Testimonial Showcase | 65 | 28 | 41 | 3k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #795 | VK Link Target Controller | 65 | 13 | 10 | 30k+ | Output Not Escaped | |
| #796 | WP SEO HTML Sitemap | 65 | 22 | 15 | 6k+ | Output Not Escaped | |
| #797 | Easy PHP Settings | 66 | 34 | 48 | 2k+ | Missing Translators Comment | |
| #798 | Flexible Product Fields (WooCommerce Product Addons) – WooCommerce Product Page Editor | 66 | 59 | 98 | 10k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found | |
| #799 | Safe Redirect Manager | 66 | 9 | 60 | 40k+ | Non Prefixed Hookname Found | |
| #800 | Product Specifications for Woocommerce | 67 | 12 | 80 | 1k+ | Non Prefixed Variable Found |
