English Profile

bad · adjective

/bæd/Full view

bad (UNPLEASANT)

A1 unpleasant; causing difficulties or harm

Dictionary examples:

Our vacation was ruined by bad weather.

We've just had some very bad news.

Watch out - he's in a bad mood.

The traffic was so bad that I just came back home.

Learner example:

The weather was bad so we stayed in my house. (Key English Test; A2; German)

bad (LOW QUALITY)

A2 of low quality and not acceptable

Dictionary examples:

The food was so bad we couldn't eat it.

He has some very bad habits.

He was sent home from school for bad behavior.

I'm very bad at cooking.

Learner example:

I decided to join this new class because I'm bad [at] English and I want be the best! (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

bad (SEVERE)

B1 very serious or severe

Dictionary examples:

a bad injury

the worst flooding in years

Learner example:

I can't go because I have to go to the hospital to see my grandmother who is in very bad health. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

bad (NOT LUCKY)

B1 not lucky, or not happening how you would like

Dictionary examples:

It was just bad luck that she heard us.

I'll call you later if this is a bad time for you.

Learner example:

Actually he [had] bad luck in his exam this time but he can try to do his best next time, can't he? (Preliminary English Test; B1; Japanese)

not (too) bad

A2 satisfactory

Dictionary example:

That's not bad for such a small company.

Learner example:

The presents are not bad. (Key English Test; A2; Thai)

be bad for sb/sth

A2 to be harmful for someone or something

Dictionary example:

Looking at a computer screen for too long can be bad for your eyes.

Learner example:

I don't like playing [on the] computer because it's bad for my eyes. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

feel bad about sth/doing sth

B1 to feel guilty or sorry about something that has happened

Dictionary example:

I felt bad about letting her down.

Learner example:

I don't have anything else which was yours, and I feel so bad about it. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

too bad

B1 used to say that you are sorry about a situation

Dictionary example:

"He didn't get the job." "Oh, that's too bad."

Learner example:

Too bad you couldn't be here. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

bad (NOT FRESH)

B2 Bad food is not fresh and cannot be eaten.

Dictionary example:

I think this milk is bad.

Learner example:

My surprise was when I opened the fridge and all the food smelt bad, so I couldn't eat [anything]. (First Certificate in English; B2; Catalan)

bad (EVIL)

B1 (of people or actions) evil or morally unacceptable

Dictionary examples:

There are a lot of bad people in the world.

He's got his faults but he's not a bad person.

Learner example:

I knew he was a bad man. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Chinese)

bad (PAINFUL)

C1 always before noun If you have a bad arm, leg, heart, etc., there is something wrong with it and it is painful.

Dictionary example:

I've got a bad shoulder.

Learner example:

I'm lugging [my laptop] with me everywhere, with a bad back as a result. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Turkish)

too bad

C1 used to say that nothing can be done to change a situation

Dictionary example:

I know you don't want to go but it's too bad, we have to.

Learner example:

Human beings have to make their own liv[es] as good as possible, and if they [do] not succeed, the cynical approach is just: too bad! (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Danish)