bad
Usage
What are other ways to say bad?
When describing things that are lacking in moral qualities or are actually vicious and reprehensible, bad is the broadest and simplest term: a bad man; bad habits. Evil applies to that which violates or leads to the violation of moral law: evil practices. Ill now appears mainly in certain fixed expressions, with a milder implication than that in evil: ill will; ill-natured. Wicked implies willful and determined doing of what is very wrong: a wicked plan.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Chunky payouts and subdued prices meant the 1930s weren’t quite as bad as they looked.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
Current and former government officials familiar with the companies’ environmental record called them routine bad actors.
From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026
While it looks bad at the moment, Sale can take solace in the fact that all of this season's Prem top four have had bleak years in the recent past.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
"As if to say, 'Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico,'" she told a press conference.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
The place smelled real bad, a warmed-over stink of mothballs and something like sheep dip.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
Vocabulary lists containing bad
