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.
But duos in previous series have been pushed to their physical and emotional limits as they missed connections or ended up losing hours after following bad directions.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
“It was so bad that it would twist my stomach into a knot,” she recalls.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
"This is shocking. Never seen it as bad as this."
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
“It felt like finally waking up from a bad dream,” she tells Charlie.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
His bad leg is propped on a footstool.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
