Top 56 Slang For Bad Thing – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to talking about the not-so-great things in life, sometimes we need a little creativity. That’s where slang for bad things comes in. From clever phrases to colorful expressions, we’ve compiled a list of the most interesting and unique slang terms for those less-than-desirable situations. Get ready to expand your vocabulary and maybe even have a laugh or two along the way!

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1. Crap

Crap is a slang term used to describe something that is considered to be of low quality or value. It can also be used to express disappointment or frustration.

For example, “I can’t believe I wasted my money on this crap!”
Someone might say, “This movie is crap, don’t bother watching it.”
A person might exclaim, “Oh crap, I forgot to bring my wallet!”

2. Garbage

Garbage is a slang term used to describe something that is considered to be worthless, useless, or of poor quality. It can also be used to express disdain or disappointment.

For instance, “This article is complete garbage!”
Someone might say, “Don’t bother buying that product, it’s just garbage.”
A person might exclaim, “What a load of garbage!”

3. Trash

Trash is a slang term used to describe something that is considered to be of low quality or worth. It can also be used to express disapproval or contempt.

For example, “This song is pure trash, I can’t stand it.”
Someone might say, “Throw that book away, it’s trash.”
A person might exclaim, “I can’t believe they’re selling this trash!”

4. Junk

Junk is a slang term used to describe something that is considered to be useless or of poor quality. It can also be used to express frustration or disappointment.

For instance, “Why did you buy this junk, it’s completely useless!”
Someone might say, “Get rid of all this junk, it’s cluttering up the house.”
A person might exclaim, “I can’t believe I wasted my money on this junk!”

5. Rubbish

Rubbish is a slang term used to describe something that is considered to be of poor quality or value. It can also be used to express disbelief or contempt.

For example, “This article is absolute rubbish, it’s full of false information.”
Someone might say, “Don’t bother watching that show, it’s complete rubbish.”
A person might exclaim, “What a load of rubbish!”

6. Shit

This is a vulgar slang term used to describe something of poor quality or something that is considered to be bad. It can also be used to express frustration or disappointment.

For example, “This movie is shit, don’t waste your time watching it.”
In a conversation about a disappointing meal, someone might say, “The food at that restaurant is shit, I would never go back.”
When expressing frustration, a person might exclaim, “Oh shit, I forgot my keys!”

7. Crummy

This is a slang term used to describe something that is of poor quality or not up to standard. It can refer to physical objects, experiences, or situations.

For instance, “The weather today is crummy, it’s raining and gloomy.”
In a discussion about a subpar hotel, someone might say, “The room was crummy, the bed was uncomfortable and the bathroom was dirty.”
When describing a disappointing concert, a person might say, “The sound quality was crummy, I couldn’t hear anything clearly.”

8. Lousy

This is a slang term used to describe something that is of very poor quality or considered to be bad. It can be used to express disappointment or dissatisfaction.

For example, “The service at that restaurant was lousy, the waiter was rude and the food took forever to arrive.”
In a conversation about a bad movie, someone might say, “The acting was lousy, I couldn’t believe how poorly the actors performed.”
When expressing frustration, a person might exclaim, “I feel lousy, I have a terrible headache and I can’t concentrate.”

9. Awful

This is a slang term used to describe something that is of extremely poor quality or considered to be very bad. It can also be used to express strong negative emotions or feelings.

For instance, “The smell in the room was awful, I couldn’t stand it.”
In a discussion about a disappointing meal, someone might say, “The taste of the food was awful, it was bland and overcooked.”
When describing a terrible performance, a person might say, “The singer was awful, they couldn’t hit a single note.”

10. Terrible

This is a slang term used to describe something that is of very poor quality or considered to be very bad. It can be used to express strong negative emotions or to emphasize the severity of a situation.

For example, “The weather today is terrible, it’s storming and there’s heavy rain.”
In a conversation about a bad movie, someone might say, “The plot was terrible, it made no sense and the characters were poorly developed.”
When expressing disappointment, a person might exclaim, “This is terrible, I can’t believe what just happened!”

11. Horrible

Something that is extremely unpleasant or of very low quality.

For example, “The food at that restaurant was horrible, I couldn’t even finish my meal.”
A person might say, “I had a horrible day at work, everything went wrong.”
Another might comment, “The weather is horrible today, it’s raining heavily.”

12. Rotten

Refers to something that is in a state of decay, often used to describe something that is spoiled or unpleasant.

For instance, “I found a rotten apple in the fridge, it smelled terrible.”
A person might say, “The milk has gone rotten, it’s no longer safe to drink.”
Another might comment, “The meat was left out for too long and now it’s rotten.”

13. Abysmal

Describes something that is extremely bad or of very low quality, often used to express disappointment or dissatisfaction.

For example, “The movie was abysmal, I couldn’t wait for it to end.”
A person might say, “The team’s performance was abysmal, they lost by a large margin.”
Another might comment, “The service at that restaurant was abysmal, I won’t be going back.”

14. Dismal

Refers to something that is gloomy, depressing, or lacking in brightness or excitement.

For instance, “The weather forecast for the weekend is dismal, it’s going to rain the whole time.”
A person might say, “The party was a dismal affair, no one was having fun.”
Another might comment, “The company’s financial results were dismal, they recorded significant losses.”

15. Wretched

Describes something or someone that is in a state of misery or extreme unhappiness.

For example, “I had a wretched day at work, everything went wrong.”
A person might say, “The living conditions in the slums are wretched, it’s heartbreaking.”
Another might comment, “The singer’s performance was wretched, they forgot the lyrics and couldn’t hit the high notes.”

16. Crappy

This term is used to describe something that is of poor quality or not up to standard.

For example, “I bought this crappy phone and it stopped working after a week.”
A person might complain, “The service at that restaurant was so crappy, I’ll never go back.”
Someone might say, “I can’t believe I paid so much for this crappy car.”

17. Shoddy

This word refers to something that is poorly made or of low quality.

For instance, “I bought this shoddy furniture and it fell apart within a month.”
A person might say, “The construction of that building is so shoddy, I wouldn’t trust it.”
Someone might complain, “The customer service at that company is shoddy and unhelpful.”

18. Subpar

This term is used to describe something that is below average or not meeting expectations.

For example, “The food at that restaurant was subpar, I wouldn’t recommend it.”
A person might say, “The performance of that athlete was subpar, they didn’t meet their usual standards.”
Someone might comment, “The quality of that product is subpar, it’s not worth the price.”

19. Inferior

This word refers to something that is below standard or of lower quality compared to others.

For instance, “The materials used in this product are inferior, they’re not durable.”
A person might say, “The workmanship on this painting is inferior, it lacks attention to detail.”
Someone might complain, “The customer service at that store is inferior, they don’t prioritize customer satisfaction.”

20. Defective

This term is used to describe something that is faulty or not functioning properly.

For example, “I received a defective product, it doesn’t work as it should.”
A person might say, “The design of that machine is defective, it keeps breaking down.”
Someone might comment, “The software in that device is defective, it’s full of bugs.”

21. Flawed

This term is used to describe something that has mistakes, errors, or faults. It implies that the thing is not functioning or performing as expected.

For example, “The plan was flawed from the beginning and doomed to fail.”
In a review of a product, someone might say, “The design of this phone is flawed, with many users experiencing issues.”
A person discussing a political policy might argue, “The flawed legislation only serves to benefit the wealthy, leaving the rest of the population struggling.”

22. Faulty

This word is used to describe something that is not working correctly or is unreliable. It suggests that the thing has a defect or malfunction.

For instance, “The faulty wiring caused the entire electrical system to shut down.”
In a discussion about technology, someone might say, “I had to return my faulty tablet because it kept freezing.”
A person describing a car problem might say, “The faulty brakes put me in a dangerous situation on the road.”

23. Dull

This term is used to describe something that lacks excitement, interest, or liveliness. It suggests that the thing is unengaging or lacking in stimulation.

For example, “The lecture was so dull that I struggled to stay awake.”
In a review of a movie, someone might say, “The plot was dull and predictable, making it hard to stay engaged.”
A person describing a party might say, “The music was dull, and there was no energy in the room.”

24. Useless

This word is used to describe something that has no practical value or is incapable of fulfilling its intended purpose. It implies that the thing serves no useful function.

For instance, “The broken umbrella was useless in protecting me from the rain.”
In a discussion about a tool, someone might say, “This old saw is useless. It can’t even cut through a piece of wood.”
A person describing a gadget might say, “The outdated smartphone is slow and practically useless for modern tasks.”

25. Rinky-dink

This term is used to describe something that is cheaply made or of low quality. It suggests that the thing is flimsy or poorly constructed.

For example, “The rinky-dink toy fell apart after just a few minutes of play.”
In a review of a restaurant, someone might say, “The food was rinky-dink and not worth the price.”
A person describing a piece of furniture might say, “The rinky-dink chair collapsed under my weight.”

26. Bogus

This term refers to something that is not genuine or true. It is often used to describe something that is deceptive or fraudulent.

For example, “That website is full of bogus information.”
In a conversation about a scam, someone might say, “Don’t fall for their bogus claims.”
A person might describe a counterfeit item as “bogus merchandise.”

27. Shabby

This term is used to describe something that is in poor condition or of low quality. It can refer to physical objects or even situations.

For instance, “He was wearing a shabby old coat.”
In a discussion about a run-down building, someone might say, “The place looks really shabby.”
A person might describe a disappointing performance as “a shabby attempt.”

28. Atrocious

This word is used to describe something that is exceptionally bad or of very poor quality. It is often used to express strong disapproval or outrage.

For example, “The service at that restaurant was atrocious.”
In a conversation about a movie, someone might say, “The acting in that film was atrocious.”
A person might describe a heinous crime as “an atrocious act.”

29. Dreadful

This term is used to describe something that is extremely bad or unpleasant. It is often used to express strong dislike or disappointment.

For instance, “I had a dreadful day at work.”
In a discussion about a horror movie, someone might say, “It was so scary, it gave me dreadful nightmares.”
A person might describe a terrible accident as “a dreadful tragedy.”

30. Pathetic

This word is used to describe something or someone that is deserving of pity or sympathy. It can also be used to express strong disapproval or contempt.

For example, “He made a pathetic attempt at singing.”
In a conversation about a failed project, someone might say, “Their efforts were pathetic.”
A person might describe a weak performance as “pathetic.”

31. Shitty

This term is used to describe something of very poor quality or something that is unpleasant or undesirable. It is often used colloquially to express strong dissatisfaction or disappointment.

For example, “The service at that restaurant was shitty. I’m never going back.”
Someone might say, “I had a shitty day at work. Nothing went right.”
In a review of a movie, a critic might write, “The acting was so shitty, I couldn’t even finish watching.”

32. Rubbishy

This word is used to describe something that is of low quality or value, often in a dismissive or derogatory manner. It suggests that the thing being referred to is worthless or not worth one’s time.

For instance, “I tried reading that book, but it was so rubbishy, I gave up after a few pages.”
In a conversation about fashion, someone might say, “That outfit looks rubbishy. You should try something else.”
A person might complain, “The quality of these headphones is rubbishy. They keep breaking.”

33. Nasty

This term is used to describe something that is unpleasant, unappealing, or of poor quality. It can also refer to something that is morally offensive or mean-spirited.

For example, “I accidentally stepped in dog poop. It was so nasty.”
In a discussion about food, someone might say, “I tried that new restaurant, but the food was really nasty.”
A person might complain, “My neighbor is always playing loud, nasty music late at night.”

34. Unsatisfactory

This word is used to describe something that does not meet expectations or is not adequate or sufficient. It implies that the thing being referred to is disappointing or falls short of what is desired.

For instance, “I received an unsatisfactory grade on my test. I need to study harder.”
In a review of a product, someone might write, “The quality of this item is unsatisfactory. It broke after only a few uses.”
A customer might complain, “The service at this hotel was unsatisfactory. They were rude and unhelpful.”

35. Cringe-worthy

This term is used to describe something that is awkward, uncomfortable, or embarrassing to witness or experience. It suggests that the thing being referred to elicits a strong feeling of secondhand embarrassment.

For example, “I couldn’t watch that movie. It was so cringe-worthy.”
In a conversation about a social media post, someone might say, “Did you see that cringe-worthy selfie she posted? It’s so embarrassing.”
A person might comment, “The speech he gave was so cringe-worthy. I couldn’t believe what he was saying.”

36. Disappointing

Something that fails to meet expectations or leaves one feeling dissatisfied. “Disappointing” is often used to describe situations or experiences that fall short of what was hoped for.

For example, a person might say, “The ending of that movie was so disappointing.”
In a review of a restaurant, someone might write, “The service was slow and the food was disappointing.”
A student might express, “Getting a low grade on my test was really disappointing.”

37. Deplorable

Something that is considered extremely bad or unacceptable. “Deplorable” is a strong term used to express strong disapproval or condemnation.

For instance, a person might say, “The conditions in that prison are deplorable.”
In a discussion about a controversial action, someone might comment, “It’s deplorable that this behavior is allowed.”
A news article might describe a crime as “a deplorable act of violence.”

38. Shambolic

Something that is in a state of complete disorder or confusion. “Shambolic” is often used to describe situations or events that are disorganized or poorly managed.

For example, a person might say, “The party was a shambolic mess.”
In a review of a concert, someone might write, “The band’s performance was shambolic and unprofessional.”
A traveler might describe a hotel as “shambolic” if it is dirty and poorly maintained.

39. Miserable

Something that causes great unhappiness or discomfort. “Miserable” is a word used to describe a state of extreme unhappiness or suffering.

For instance, a person might say, “I had a miserable day at work.”
In a conversation about a bad breakup, someone might comment, “I felt miserable for weeks.”
A person might describe a rainy day as “miserable” if they were planning to go outside and enjoy the sunshine.

40. Unpleasant

Something that is not enjoyable or pleasing. “Unpleasant” is a broad term used to describe things that are disagreeable, uncomfortable, or distasteful.

For example, a person might say, “The smell in that room was very unpleasant.”
In a discussion about a difficult task, someone might comment, “Cleaning out the garage is an unpleasant job.”
A person might describe a bitter taste as “unpleasant” if it is not enjoyable to them.

41. Vile

Something that is extremely unpleasant, offensive, or morally repugnant.

For example, “The smell coming from the dumpster was absolutely vile.”
A person might describe a cruel act as “vile and heartless.”
A user might comment on a disturbing video, “That was the vilest thing I’ve ever seen.”

42. Disgusting

Something that causes strong feelings of disgust or revulsion.

For instance, “The rotten food in the fridge was absolutely disgusting.”
A person might say, “I can’t stand the taste of durian fruit, it’s so disgusting.”
A user might comment on a graphic image, “This is too disgusting to look at.”

43. Offensive

Something that is likely to cause offense or hurt someone’s feelings.

For example, “His comments were incredibly offensive and hurtful.”
A person might say, “Using racial slurs is highly offensive and unacceptable.”
A user might comment on a controversial statement, “That joke was offensive and inconsiderate.”

44. Repugnant

Something that is extremely distasteful, offensive, or repulsive.

For instance, “The smell of rotting garbage was repugnant.”
A person might say, “The actions of the dictator were repugnant and inhumane.”
A user might comment on a morally objectionable behavior, “That behavior is absolutely repugnant.”

45. Horrendous

Something that is extremely terrible, horrifying, or shocking.

For example, “The car accident was absolutely horrendous.”
A person might describe a nightmare as “a horrendous experience.”
A user might comment on a tragic event, “The loss of life in the disaster is just horrendous.”

46. Disastrous

Something that is extremely bad or goes horribly wrong. It often refers to a situation or event that causes a great deal of damage, harm, or loss.

For example, “The hurricane had a disastrous impact on the coastal town.”
A person might say, “The party was a disastrous failure, with everything going wrong.”
In a discussion about a failed business venture, someone might comment, “The decision to expand into that market turned out to be disastrous.”

47. Catastrophic

Refers to something that is extremely disastrous or has a catastrophic effect. It often implies a large-scale event or situation that results in severe damage, destruction, or loss.

For instance, “The earthquake caused catastrophic damage to the city.”
A person might say, “The failure of the dam would be catastrophic for the surrounding area.”
In a discussion about climate change, someone might argue, “If we don’t take action, the consequences will be catastrophic.”

48. Ghastly

Describes something that is extremely unpleasant, shocking, or terrifying. It often refers to a situation, event, or appearance that is disturbing or horrifying.

For example, “The accident was ghastly, with multiple fatalities.”
A person might say, “I had a ghastly nightmare last night.”
In a discussion about a horror movie, someone might comment, “The movie had some truly ghastly scenes that left me terrified.”

49. Unfortunate

Refers to something that is regrettable or brings about negative consequences. It often implies a sense of bad luck or unfortunate circumstances.

For instance, “It’s unfortunate that the weather ruined our outdoor plans.”
A person might say, “I had an unfortunate accident on my way to work.”
In a discussion about a missed opportunity, someone might comment, “It was unfortunate that I couldn’t attend the conference.”

50. Regrettable

Describes something that is deserving of regret or disappointment. It often implies a feeling of sorrow or remorse for a particular action, decision, or outcome.

For example, “The loss of life in the accident is regrettable.”
A person might say, “It’s regrettable that I didn’t take the opportunity when it was presented.”
In a discussion about a controversial decision, someone might argue, “The company’s actions were regrettable and caused harm to its reputation.”

51. Unfavorable

Something that is not desired or preferred. It refers to a situation or outcome that is negative or disappointing.

For example, “The weather forecast for the picnic is unfavorable, so we might have to reschedule.”
In a discussion about job opportunities, someone might say, “The current economic conditions make it unfavorable for finding employment.”
A person reviewing a product might state, “The quality of this item is unfavorable compared to similar options on the market.”

52. Bummer

A bummer is something that causes disappointment or a feeling of letdown. It refers to a situation or event that is unfortunate or disheartening.

For instance, “It’s such a bummer that the concert got canceled.”
If someone hears bad news, they might respond, “Oh, that’s a bummer.”
When discussing travel plans, someone might say, “Missing the train was a real bummer.”

53. Lame

Lame refers to something that is unimpressive, boring, or uninspiring. It can describe a person, event, or situation that lacks excitement or interest.

For example, “The party was so lame, I left after 10 minutes.”
If someone tells a joke that falls flat, another person might say, “That was a lame joke.”
When describing a disappointing movie, someone might say, “The plot was predictable and the characters were lame.”

54. Sucky

Sucky is an informal term used to describe something that is terrible, unpleasant, or of poor quality. It expresses dissatisfaction or disappointment.

For instance, “This weather is so sucky. I wanted to go to the beach.”
If someone has a bad day, they might say, “Everything is going wrong today. It’s so sucky.”
When describing a low-quality product, someone might say, “The customer reviews were right, this vacuum cleaner is really sucky.”

55. Shitshow

Shitshow refers to a situation or event that is chaotic, disorganized, or disastrous. It implies that things have gone wrong or are completely out of control.

For example, “The party turned into a total shitshow when the neighbors called the police.”
If someone describes a dysfunctional family gathering, they might say, “Thanksgiving dinner was a complete shitshow.”
When discussing a poorly managed project, someone might say, “The whole thing was a shitshow from start to finish.”

56. Mediocre

This term refers to something that is of average or ordinary quality, often implying a lack of excellence or distinction. It is used to describe something that is not particularly good or impressive.

For example, “The movie received mediocre reviews from critics.”
In a discussion about a sports team, someone might say, “They had a mediocre season, finishing in the middle of the pack.”
A person might describe a meal as mediocre if it was neither outstanding nor terrible.