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.
And, for the first time, began banning people from the festival for bad behavior.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
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
"We have to remember how bad that felt," the head coach says.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
Father replies, “Competition means suspicion, bad tempers. I’ve been feeling it, too.”
From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Vocabulary lists containing bad
