bad

adjective /bæd/

Of poor quality, harmful, or undesirable.

Quick answer

Common synonyms for "bad" include poor, inferior, shoddy, subpar, mediocre, deficient. Choose by context — see groups below.

Synonyms for "bad"

bad — low quality or unpleasant

poorinferiorshoddysubparmediocredeficientsecond-rate

bad — morally wrong

wickedevilimmoralwrongcorruptdishonest

bad — harmful or damaging

harmfuldetrimentaldamagingdestructiveruinous

bad — severe or serious

severegraveseriousintenseacute

Antonyms for "bad"

goodgreatexcellentfinepositivebeneficial

Examples in context

  • The decision turned out to be bad for the team.
  • He had a bad habit of interrupting people.
  • The weather was bad all week.
Usage note

Reach for a specific alternative — “bad service” is weaker than “rude service” or “unreliable service.”