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.
Let’s assume, for the sake of this column, that your friend’s sister is indeed a bad actor.
From MarketWatch • May 25, 2026
I’m not in a bad mood or anything, but we have two apartments, so when we get up, Hugh goes downstairs and I have my morning upstairs.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026
Reed said the rodent infestation “was a bad look” and that the Angels need a new stadium in addition to a new owner.
From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026
"When I see men my age who have graduated and are going to university - I feel very bad, I feel like I am burning in hell," she adds.
From BBC • May 24, 2026
The place smelled real bad, a warmed-over stink of mothballs and something like sheep dip.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
Vocabulary lists containing bad
