bad news
An irritating, troublesome or harmful object, situation or individual.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“That mosquito is bad news.”
“I told her that guy was bad news, but she didn't listen.”
“The dark clouds gathering on the horizon were bad news for the sailors who had set out that morning with fair weather.”
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bad actor
An individual or entity with a prior criminal conviction, or who has been sanctioned by the court or regulator.
- 02
bad apple
A person who is not wholesome, honest, or trustworthy, especially one who has an adverse influence on others.
- 03
bad books
Disfavor.
- 04
bad business
Synonym of bad news (“irritating, troublesome or harmful thing, situation or person”).
- 05
bad company
The wrong crowd.
- 06
bad egg
Someone whose behaviour is reprehensible or irresponsible; a rogue.
- 07
bad hair day
A day when things seem to be unmanageable or go wrong.
- 08
bad iron
bad luck.
Last updated August 10, 2026