Synonyms for

Bad

Verb / bæd / Another word for bad — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not good; unpleasant; harmful

Synonyms & similar words

unsound goodness speculative unfit spoilt badly tough badness risky spoiled highrisk uncollectible good big unregretful sorry forged defective regretful awful terrible horrible poor low-quality substandard defective faulty inferior unsatisfactory unpleasant disagreeable unfortunate harmful negative damaging deleterious toxic dangerous evil

Synonyms by register

Formal

detrimental adverse deleterious unfavorable

Informal

lousy crappy rotten awful terrible

Literary

ill vile wicked

Antonyms

good excellent fine great superb virtuous positive

Common collocations

  • bad luck
  • bad mood
  • bad weather
  • bad idea
  • bad habit
  • bad influence
  • bad reputation

Word family

noun badness
adverb badly

Usage note

While 'bad' can be used informally, its formal synonyms often carry more specific meanings. Be mindful of the context when choosing a synonym.

Example sentences

  1. The milk is bad and shouldn't be drunk.
  2. The storm was so bad that the power went out.
  3. Getting a bad grade on a test can be discouraging.
  4. The bad smell from the trash made me hold my breath.
  5. He had a bad day at work and didn't want to talk about it.

Quotes

  • Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see.
  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
  • The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

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