in bad faith

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in bad faith

"This is not an accusation that Attorney General James is corrupt, acting in bad faith or incapable of performing her duties professionally," the statement said.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

However, the review concluded that no university employee or representative had acted in bad faith or shown "willful and wanton disregard" for anyone's safety.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

The company accused Wilson of negotiating in bad faith after he proposed new terms, which it called “numerous new demands.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026

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

“Yes, you’re right,” Jaime would grudgingly admit with a rectitude that prevented him from arguing in bad faith.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende

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