Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

Ulster's night went from bad to worse as they began to toil in the heat.

From BBC May 22, 2026

Throughout the day, conditions in the strait went from bad to worse.

From Barron's Apr. 8, 2026

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

As the days pass, things go from bad to worse.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Just like flashcards, but way more fun

Don't take our word for it. Leave the boring studying behind and join VocabTrainer today. You'll learn even faster and never look back.

Take me to Vocabulary.com