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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.

That poses options ranging from bad to worse as prices soar, but there are ways to mitigate the hit.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Over the course of barely two hours on Sunday, Ferrari’s calamitous Formula One season went from bad to worse to absolute rock bottom.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

It went from bad to worse for England as full-back AJ Brimson suffered a shoulder injury just 10 minutes in.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2025

The incident is the latest example of how quickly a fireworks mishap can turn from bad to worse.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2025

But then, things suddenly went from bad to worse.

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor

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