Synonyms

in a bad way

Idioms

In trouble; also, deteriorating. For example, If he can't get that bank loan he'll be in a bad way, or The business is in a bad way, with profits declining every month. [Early 1800s]

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.

Not in a bad way, but in a very normal human way, and he shares them throughout the book.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

The market is in a bad way right now, as the economy faces plenty of risk.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

"I don't think there's an overwhelming trend that things are in a bad way," Piastri said.

From BBC • Oct. 19, 2025

By many objective standards, the electric vehicle maker is in a bad way.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2024

“But not in a bad way, right? In a good way?”

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023