set a bad example

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.

One that, whatever organisers might say about it being separate from mainstream sport, would set a bad example and could lead to increased cheating in conventional competition.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

"When parents feel they've set a bad example, they have a valuable opportunity to turn the situation into a teachable moment."

From Science Daily • Nov. 18, 2024

But the book was less popular with some adults, who felt like Pippi set a bad example.

From NewsForKids.net • May 22, 2024

The young woman was heartbroken, concluding that the school didn’t want the public to see her with a protruding belly, as she would set a bad example for other students.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2023

I’ve spent hours trying to analyze the situation, and the closest I’ve beer! able to come to a theory is that his father set a bad example at an age when John was impressionable.

From "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel