from bad to worse

Idioms  

1. Unacceptable and getting more so, on a steady downward course. For example, Mary's grades have gone from bad to worse. [Mid-1500s] Also see if worst comes to worst.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

from bad to worse

But two years after the Supreme Court untied their hands, Grants Pass has not solved homelessness, and things have gone from bad to worse.

From Slate ● Jun. 27, 2026

And it could have gone from bad to worse for the Blues in stoppage time had Enes Unal not wasted a glorious chance to secure Bournemouth's first win since October 26.

From Barron's ● Dec. 30, 2025

Firefighters do everything they can, but strong winds are working against them to make the destruction go from bad to worse.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 19, 2025

And in the final divisional crunch game things went from bad to worse for the Colts, who not only lost their 11th straight visit to Jacksonville but also Daniel Jones with a suspected torn Achilles.

From BBC ● Dec. 8, 2025

"Yes. Things went from bad to worse until finally he had to give up his position."

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald