in bad faith

Idioms

With the intention of deceiving someone or doing harm, as in I'm sure they were acting in bad faith and never planned to pay us. This expression was first recorded in 1631. The antonym, in good faith, meaning “sincerely and honestly,” as in I signed that contract in good faith, dates from about 1350.

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.

In granting the motion, however, Ohta said he found no objective evidence that the district attorney’s office was dismissing the case in bad faith.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Unionized Post-Gazette editorial staff have been on strike since October 2022, pushing for better wages and healthcare benefits and accusing the company of years of bargaining in bad faith.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

The judge ruled that changing it was in bad faith.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2025

External link of acting in bad faith by considering additional duties on steel and aluminum products.

From Barron's • Dec. 10, 2025

He demanded the return of his gifts, which she had accepted in bad faith.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

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