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.
The issue “came out of nowhere,” Roberts said, pointing to a “bad night’s sleep or a bad pillow.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026
Finally, in April, Tindal went to the local county attorney and sheriff to have McClain arrested for writing bad checks.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026
Maybe with “Cars” safely in the rearview mirror, and me having just exhausted my one bad pun per story with this sentence, Pixar can return to consistent greatness.
From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026
Even unhealthy or bad relationships are not bad 100% of the time.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026
Dad begged her not to go because the storm looked like it was going to be bad.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
Vocabulary lists containing bad
