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.
Good news for the consumer doesn’t necessarily mean bad news for investors, though.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
Kristina Xhiveli, a 30-year-old environmental engineer who marched in Tirana last week, said people are exhausted with concerns about bad infrastructure, healthcare, education and other issues.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
Any bad actor can digitally replicate a logo or an entire website, Hish said.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
Lee recounts a rigmarole of joys and traumas—a trip to the circus, a bad breakup, a house fire—which all fail to leave much of an impression.
From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026
Mutti said she felt bad about having to do it, but that needs must.
From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo
Vocabulary lists containing bad
