ENGLISH
REFERENCE

too bad

idiom
Meaning

That's a pity.


Origin

disputed origin

Shortening of "That is too bad" or "It is too bad that..."

Examples
SIMPLE

Too bad — I wanted to go to the concert.

CONTEXTUAL

The restaurant was fully booked, which was too bad because we were really looking forward to it.

COMPLEX

The rain ruined the picnic, and though she said it was too bad, her disappointment was plain to see.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bad actor

    An individual or entity with a prior criminal conviction, or who has been sanctioned by the court or regulator.

  2. 02

    bad apple

    A person who is not wholesome, honest, or trustworthy, especially one who has an adverse influence on others.

  3. 03

    bad books

    Disfavor.

  4. 04

    bad business

    Synonym of bad news (“irritating, troublesome or harmful thing, situation or person”).

  5. 05

    bad company

    The wrong crowd.

  6. 06

    bad egg

    Someone whose behaviour is reprehensible or irresponsible; a rogue.

  7. 07

    bad hair day

    A day when things seem to be unmanageable or go wrong.

  8. 08

    bad iron

    bad luck.

Last updated April 17, 2026