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Definitions

in a bad way

ADJECTIVE
dilapidated
Synonyms
STRONGEST
battered broken-down crumbling damaged decaying decrepit derelict dingy in ruins neglected ramshackle rickety run down seedy shabby unkempt
STRONG
decayed faded impaired injured marred
WEAK
beat-up crumbly crummy dog-eared fallen-in old ratty raunchy rinky-dink shaky slummy tacky threadbare tumble-down uncared-for unimproved used-up worn-out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
OK good healthy neat nice repaired sound stable
WEAK
in good repair rebuilt
ADJECTIVE
ill-chosen
Synonyms
WEAK
adverse afflicted awkward broken burdened calamitous cursed damaging deplorable desperate destitute disastrous doomed forsaken hapless hopeless ill-fated ill-starred inappropriate inept infelicitous inopportune jinxed lamentable luckless out of luck pained poor regrettable ruined ruinous shattered star-crossed stricken troubled unbecoming unfavorable unhappy unpropitious unprosperous unsuccessful unsuitable untoward wretched
ADJECTIVE
infelicitous
Synonyms
WEAK
adverse afflicted awkward broken burdened calamitous cursed damaging deplorable desperate destitute disastrous doomed forsaken hapless hopeless ill-chosen ill-fated ill-starred inappropriate inept inopportune jinxed lamentable luckless out of luck pained poor regrettable ruined ruinous shattered star-crossed stricken troubled unbecoming unfavorable unhappy unpropitious unprosperous unsuccessful unsuitable untoward wretched
ADJECTIVE
laid-up
Synonyms
WEAK
ailing bedridden broken down confined debilitated declining defective delicate diseased disordered down feeble feverish frail funny green hospitalized ill impaired imperfect in poor health incurable indisposed infected infirm invalid lousy mean nauseated not so hot peaked poorly qualmish queasy rickety rocky rotten run down sick as a dog suffering tottering under medication under the weather unhealthy unwell weak wobbly
ADJECTIVE
run down
Synonyms
STRONGEST
broken-down crumbling decrepit derelict deserted desolate dilapidated dingy neglected ramshackle rickety seedy tacky
WEAK
abandoned beat up below par debilitated dog-eared down-at-the-heel drained enervated exhausted fatigued forsaken frowzy old out of condition peaked ratty tattered tired tumble-down uncared-for under the weather unhealthy untended used-up weak weary worn-out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
nice populated sound stable used
WEAK
OK fresh good healthy
ADJECTIVE
seedy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crummy decaying decrepit dingy grubby scruffy shabby sleazy squalid tacky
WEAK
ailing beat-up bedraggled dog-eared down-at-the-heel drooping droopy faded flagging frowzy gone to seed mangy messy neglected old overgrown poor poorly ragged ratty sagging sickly slovenly tattered threadbare tired torn unkempt untidy unwell used-up wilted wilting worn
Antonyms
STRONGEST
clean good neat nice respectable
WEAK
luxurious posh
ADJECTIVE
sick
Synonyms
STRONG
ailing confined debilitated declining disordered down frail funny green hospitalized ill impaired imperfect incurable indisposed infected invalid mean nauseated peaked suffering tottering wobbly
WEAK
bedridden broken down defective delicate diseased feeble feverish in poor health infirm laid-up lousy not so hot poorly qualmish queasy rickety rocky rotten run down sick as a dog under medication under the weather unhealthy unwell weak
Antonyms
STRONG
healthy perfect sound strong well
WEAK
clean content gentle happy moral nice pleased satisfied undiseased
ADJECTIVE
unfortunate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adverse damaging deplorable disastrous inappropriate inauspicious lamentable regrettable unlucky untoward
STRONG
desperate doomed poor sad
WEAK
afflicted broken burdened calamitous cursed destitute forsaken hapless hopeless ill-fated ill-starred infelicitous inopportune jinxed luckless out of luck pained ruined ruinous shattered star-crossed stricken troubled unbecoming unfavorable unhappy unpropitious unprosperous unsuccessful unsuitable wretched
Antonyms
STRONGEST
auspicious blessed favorable fortunate good happy helpful lucky proper suitable
STRONG
hopeful
WEAK
timely

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 market is in a bad way right now, as the economy faces plenty of risk.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

Following the attack Robert Easom called 999 and said Trudi Burgess had "fallen out of bed" and "landed in a bad way with her neck" on 17 February 2025.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Not in a bad way, but in a light spirited way like, this life is kind of nonsense so just have fun.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025

You’re almost subterranean, but not in a bad way.

From Salon • May 23, 2025

He had said he was worried that us having to tear down Harmonee might affect me in a bad way.

From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore