bad
Looking for the meaning of bad? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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Error, mistake.
An item (or kind of item) of merchandise with negative value; an unwanted good.
Unfavorable; negative; not good.
“Abducting children is bad for mothers.”
Not suitable or fitting.
“Do you think it is a bad idea to confront him directly?”
Not appropriate, of manners etc.
“It is bad manners to talk with your mouth full.”
Unhealthy; liable to cause health problems.
“Lard is bad for you. Smoking is bad for you, too. Grapes are bad for dogs but not for humans.”
Sickly, unhealthy, unwell.
“I went to the hospital to see how my grandfather was doing. Unfortunately, he's in a bad state.”
Not behaving; behaving badly; misbehaving; mischievous or disobedient.
“Stop being bad, or you will get a spanking!”
Tricky; stressful; unpleasant.
“Divorce is usually a bad experience for everybody involved.”
Evil; wicked.
“Be careful. There are bad people in the world.”
Faulty; not functional.
“I had a bad headlight.”
(of food) Spoiled, rotten, overripe.
“These apples have gone bad.”
(of breath) Malodorous; foul.
“Bad breath is not pleasant for anyone.”
False; counterfeit; illegitimate.
“They were caught trying to pass bad coinage.”
Unskilled; of limited ability; not good.
“He's a bad gardener; everything he tries to grow ends up dying.”
Of poor physical appearance.
“I don't look bad in this dress, do I?”
Bold and daring.
Good, superlative, excellent, cool.
“Man, that new car you bought is bad!”
(of a need, want, or pain) Severe, urgent.
“He is in bad need of a haircut.”
Overly promiscuous, licentious.
(of a draft/check) Not covered by funds on account.
“He gave me a bad check.”
Badly.
“I didn't do too bad in the last exam.”
Understanding "bad"
The word **"bad"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/bæːd/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"bad"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "bad" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "bad" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "bad" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /bæːd/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "bad" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "bad" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "bad" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "bad". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/bæːd/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "bad" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use bad in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "bad" can be used in academic and casual conversations.