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.
"It was so bad, I thought I am going to die if I don't watch something."
From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026
Historically, counting out the ability of humans to find new forms of work has been a very bad bet.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 28, 2026
But two years after the Supreme Court untied their hands, Grants Pass has not solved homelessness, and things have gone from bad to worse.
From Slate • Jun. 27, 2026
“It’s been a bad deal from the beginning,” Martinez said in an interview.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2026
Some of the messages I could hardly bear to relay: “The hearing was very bad: he sits in the cell without speaking.”
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
Vocabulary lists containing bad
