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bad
/bæd/
of poor quality or low standard
The food at that restaurant was really bad.
The food was of poor quality.
general
of poor quality or low standard
His performance in the exam was bad.
He did not perform well in the exam.
The weather is bad today.
The weather conditions are unfavorable.
Often used to describe things that are unsatisfactory or unpleasant.
general
unpleasant or harmful
He has a bad habit of biting his nails.
He has an unpleasant habit of biting his nails.
The medicine has a bad taste.
The medicine tastes unpleasant.
Used to describe things that cause discomfort or are harmful.
general
morally wrong or evil
He did a very bad thing.
He committed a morally wrong act.
She has a bad reputation.
She is known for her morally questionable actions.
Used to describe actions or people that are morally wrong.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Bad' is often used to describe things that are of poor quality or unpleasant. It can also describe morally wrong actions or people.
Comparative Forms
The comparative form is 'worse', and the superlative form is 'worst'. For example, 'This is worse than I thought' or 'That was the worst experience ever'.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'bad' can vary depending on the context. It can describe physical conditions, moral qualities, or general unpleasantness.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'badde', possibly from Old Norse 'bath' (evil) or Old English 'bæddel' (effeminate man).
Usage Notes
The word 'bad' is very common and versatile, used to describe things that are of poor quality, unpleasant, or morally wrong. It can be used in various contexts, from everyday language to more formal settings.
Word Breakdown
bad
of poor quality or low standard
rootEnglish Dictionary