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.
“This is a really bad, bad shock that would last a long time,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
"We're really bad at estimating about time we spend doing things, particularly around tech use," said Etchells, a professor of psychology and science communication at Bath Spa University.
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
AI investors have a bad case of FOMO.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
But the steady stream of bad choices emerging from Platner’s record goes beyond what voters might excuse as normal human fallibility.
From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026
“Grandma, I love you. And I’ll take all the advice you have to give me. I’ll listen closely. But in the end, the decision, good or bad, will be mine.”
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
Vocabulary lists containing bad
