Top 52 Slang For Not Good – Meaning & Usage

When things aren’t going well, sometimes you just need the right words to express it. Our team has compiled a list of the top slang terms for “not good” that will have you nodding in agreement and maybe even chuckling at their creativity. Stay tuned to level up your slang game and have some fun exploring new ways to describe those less-than-ideal situations.

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1. Lame

This slang term is used to describe something that is considered uncool, uninteresting, or uninspiring. It can be used to express disappointment or disapproval.

For example, “That movie was so lame, I fell asleep halfway through.”
A person might say, “The party last night was really lame, there was no music or dancing.”
Another might comment, “I can’t believe you’re still using that lame excuse.”

2. Trash

When something is described as “trash,” it means that it is extremely bad or of very low quality. It is often used to express strong disapproval or disdain.

For instance, “The new album from that band is complete trash, I can’t stand it.”
A person might say, “Her fashion sense is absolute trash, she has no style.”
Another might comment, “I tried that restaurant and the food was pure trash, I would never go back.”

3. Wack

This slang term is used to describe something that is strange, odd, or of poor quality. It can be used to express disappointment or disbelief.

For example, “That movie was so wack, I couldn’t understand the plot.”
A person might say, “His fashion choices are always wack, he has no sense of style.”
Another might comment, “I can’t believe you actually like that wack song, it’s terrible.”

4. Garbage

When something is referred to as “garbage,” it means that it is very bad or worthless. It can be used to express strong disapproval or frustration.

For instance, “The customer service at that store is absolute garbage, they never help you.”
A person might say, “I tried cooking that recipe and it turned out to be complete garbage.”
Another might comment, “The ending of that book was such garbage, it ruined the whole story.”

5. Crappy

This slang term is used to describe something that is of poor quality or not up to standard. It can be used to express disappointment or dissatisfaction.

For example, “I bought a cheap phone and the camera quality is really crappy.”
A person might say, “The service at that restaurant was so crappy, the waiter never refilled our drinks.”
Another might comment, “I tried that new app and it kept crashing, it’s really crappy.”

6. Whack

This term is often used to describe something that is not good or is disappointing.

For example, “That movie was whack, I wasted my money on it.”
A person might say, “The food at that restaurant was whack, I wouldn’t recommend it.”
Another might comment, “The customer service at that store was whack, they didn’t even help me find what I needed.”

7. Rotten

This word is used to describe something that is of very poor quality or is in a bad condition.

For instance, “The milk in the fridge is rotten, it smells terrible.”
A person might say, “I had a rotten day at work, everything went wrong.”
Another might comment, “The weather is rotten today, it’s raining non-stop.”

8. Awful

This term is used to describe something that is very bad or unpleasant.

For example, “The traffic was awful, it took me hours to get home.”
A person might say, “I had an awful experience at that restaurant, the food was cold and the service was terrible.”
Another might comment, “The smell in the room was awful, I had to open the windows.”

9. Shabby

This word is used to describe something that is in a bad condition or is of low quality.

For instance, “The furniture in this room is shabby, it needs to be replaced.”
A person might say, “I bought a shabby pair of shoes, they started falling apart after a few weeks.”
Another might comment, “The hotel we stayed at was shabby, the rooms were dirty and outdated.”

10. Dismal

This term is used to describe something that is depressing, gloomy, or very bad.

For example, “The weather forecast for tomorrow looks dismal, it’s going to rain all day.”
A person might say, “The performance of the team was dismal, they lost every game.”
Another might comment, “The job market is dismal right now, it’s hard to find employment.”

11. Subpar

Subpar is used to describe something that is below average or not up to a satisfactory standard.

For example, “The movie received subpar reviews from critics.”
A person might say, “The service at that restaurant was subpar. I wouldn’t recommend going there.”
In a sports context, a commentator might say, “The team’s performance was subpar, especially their defense.”

12. Shoddy

Shoddy refers to something that is poorly made or done, often of low quality or lacking in attention to detail.

For instance, “The construction of the building was shoddy, resulting in numerous structural issues.”
A person might complain, “I bought this product online, but it turned out to be shoddy and fell apart after a few uses.”
In a review, someone might write, “The service at this hotel was shoddy. The staff was unprofessional and unhelpful.”

13. Crummy

Crummy is used to describe something that is unpleasant or of poor quality.

For example, “I had a crummy day at work. Everything seemed to go wrong.”
A person might say, “The food at that restaurant was crummy. I couldn’t even finish my meal.”
In a review, someone might write, “The hotel room was crummy. It was dirty and had a musty smell.”

14. Janky

Janky is a slang term used to describe something that is unreliable, of poor quality, or not functioning properly.

For instance, “I bought a janky used car, and it keeps breaking down.”
A person might say, “The website’s design is janky. It’s difficult to navigate and looks outdated.”
In a conversation about technology, someone might comment, “This smartphone is janky. It freezes and crashes all the time.”

15. Meh

Meh is an expression used to convey a lack of enthusiasm or indifference towards something that is unimpressive or mediocre.

For example, “I saw the movie, but it was just meh. It didn’t really leave an impact.”
A person might say, “I tried that new restaurant, but the food was meh. It was nothing special.”
In a discussion about a recent concert, someone might comment, “The performance was meh. The band seemed tired and didn’t bring much energy to the stage.”

16. Bleh

Used to convey a feeling of dissatisfaction or disappointment.

For example, “I tried the new restaurant, but the food was bleh.”
When asked about a movie, a person might say, “It was bleh, nothing special.”
A user might comment on a boring party, “The music was bleh and the atmosphere was dull.”

17. Ratchet

Describes something that is of poor quality or unappealing.

For instance, “She wore a ratchet outfit to the party.”
When discussing a run-down neighborhood, a person might say, “It’s full of ratchet buildings.”
A user might comment on a poorly made product, “The construction of this item is ratchet.”

18. Sketchy

Refers to something or someone that seems unreliable or questionable.

For example, “I don’t trust that guy, he seems sketchy.”
When discussing a shady business deal, a person might say, “It sounds really sketchy.”
A user might comment on a strange encounter, “I had a sketchy experience walking home last night.”

19. Bogus

Used to describe something that is not genuine or true.

For instance, “The website was selling bogus products.”
When discussing a false rumor, a person might say, “That story is completely bogus.”
A user might comment on a fraudulent scheme, “They promised big returns, but it was all bogus.”

20. Dubious

Refers to something that is uncertain or questionable in its authenticity or reliability.

For example, “I have a dubious feeling about this investment.”
When discussing a suspicious claim, a person might say, “That sounds highly dubious.”
A user might comment on an unreliable source of information, “The website’s credibility is dubious.”

21. Flimsy

This term is used to describe something that is not sturdy or durable. It suggests that the object is of low quality and likely to fall apart easily.

For example, “The table he bought is so flimsy, it wobbles with the slightest touch.”
A person might complain, “The construction of this building is so flimsy, I don’t feel safe.”
Another might comment, “The packaging for this product is so flimsy, it arrived damaged.”

22. Dodgy

This slang term is used to describe something that seems shady or untrustworthy. It implies that the person or thing in question is not to be trusted or is of questionable integrity.

For instance, “I wouldn’t buy that car, the seller seems dodgy.”
A person might warn, “Be careful with that website, it looks dodgy and might be a scam.”
Another might say, “The neighborhood can be a bit dodgy at night, so be cautious.”

23. Shady

This term refers to something or someone that is untrustworthy or involved in questionable activities. It suggests a lack of honesty or integrity.

For example, “I heard he’s involved in some shady business deals.”
A person might warn, “Stay away from that company, their practices are shady.”
Another might comment, “The landlord seems shady, always trying to avoid repairs.”

24. Manky

This slang term describes something that is dirty, unclean, or generally unpleasant. It can also refer to something that is in poor condition or of low quality.

For instance, “I’m not sitting on that manky couch, it’s covered in stains.”
A person might complain, “This manky hotel room is not worth the price.”
Another might say, “The food at that restaurant was so manky, I couldn’t finish it.”

25. Dull

This term is used to describe something that lacks excitement or interest. It suggests that the person or thing in question is not engaging or stimulating.

For example, “The movie was so dull, I fell asleep halfway through.”
A person might complain, “This lecture is dull, I can’t pay attention.”
Another might comment, “The party was dull, there was no music or dancing.”

26. Weak

When something is described as “weak,” it means it is not strong or powerful. It can refer to physical strength, but it is often used to describe something that is not good or impressive.

For example, “His argument was weak and didn’t convince anyone.”
In a sports context, someone might say, “Our team’s defense was weak and allowed too many goals.”
A person might comment, “That movie was weak, with a predictable plot and bad acting.”

27. Busted

When something is “busted,” it means it is broken or damaged. This slang term is often used to describe something that is not functioning properly or is in poor condition.

For instance, “My phone fell on the ground and now the screen is busted.”
Someone might say, “I tried to start my car this morning, but the engine is busted.”
A person might complain, “I can’t wear these shoes anymore, the soles are completely busted.”

28. Grim

When something is described as “grim,” it means it is unpleasant, depressing, or disturbing. This slang term is often used to describe situations, events, or outcomes that are not good and can evoke a sense of darkness or despair.

For example, “The news about the pandemic is really grim, with rising cases and deaths.”
Someone might say, “I had a grim day at work, with multiple deadlines and difficult clients.”
A person might comment, “The ending of that book was really grim, with no hope or resolution.”

29. Dreck

When something is referred to as “dreck,” it means it is of low quality or value. This slang term is often used to describe things that are considered to be worthless, trashy, or inferior.

For instance, “I can’t believe I wasted my money on that movie, it was pure dreck.”
Someone might say, “This article is full of grammatical errors and poorly researched, it’s dreck.”
A person might comment, “The food at that restaurant was dreck, I couldn’t even finish my meal.”

30. Piss-poor

When something is described as “piss-poor,” it means it is extremely bad or of very low quality. This slang term is often used to emphasize the poor or inadequate nature of something.

For example, “The service at that restaurant was piss-poor, with rude staff and slow delivery.”
Someone might say, “I studied all night for the exam and still got a piss-poor grade.”
A person might comment, “The team’s performance was piss-poor, with multiple mistakes and lack of effort.”

31. Cringe

This term is used to describe something that is awkward, embarrassing, or makes you feel uncomfortable. It often refers to situations or behavior that elicit second-hand embarrassment.

For example, “That video of the talent show performance was so cringe.”
A person might say, “I can’t watch reality TV shows, they’re just too cringe.”
Another might comment, “The awkward silence in the room was cringe-worthy.”

32. Fugly

A combination of the words “fucking” and “ugly,” this slang term is used to describe something or someone who is extremely unattractive. It is a more intense version of the word “ugly.”

For instance, “Did you see her outfit? It was fugly.”
A person might say, “I can’t believe he bought that fugly car.”
Another might comment, “That painting is so fugly, I can’t even look at it.”

33. Dismaying

This term is used to describe something that is disturbing, disheartening, or causes disappointment. It conveys a sense of sadness or concern.

For example, “The news about the environmental crisis is truly dismaying.”
A person might say, “The state of the education system is dismaying.”
Another might comment, “The lack of progress on this issue is dismaying.”

34. Atrocious

This term is used to describe something that is extremely bad, terrible, or of very poor quality. It conveys a strong sense of negativity and disappointment.

For instance, “The service at that restaurant was atrocious.”
A person might say, “I can’t believe how atrocious the weather is today.”
Another might comment, “The movie received atrocious reviews from critics.”

35. Lousy

This term is used to describe something that is bad, of poor quality, or unsatisfactory. It conveys a sense of disappointment or dissatisfaction.

For example, “I had a lousy day at work.”
A person might say, “The food at that restaurant was lousy.”
Another might comment, “I feel lousy after staying up all night.”

36. Horrendous

This word describes something that is extremely bad or unpleasant. It emphasizes the severity of the negative quality.

For example, “The food at that restaurant was horrendous. I couldn’t even finish my meal.”
A person might say, “The movie got terrible reviews. It’s supposed to be horrendous.”
Another might comment, “I had a horrendous day at work. Nothing went right.”

37. Deficient

This term refers to something that is incomplete or inadequate. It suggests that there is a shortage or insufficiency in quality or quantity.

For instance, “The team’s performance was deficient. They didn’t meet the expectations.”
A person might say, “The report is deficient in supporting evidence. It needs more data.”
Another might comment, “The product is deficient in durability. It breaks easily.”

38. Inferior

This word describes something that is of lower quality or standard compared to others. It suggests that something is below average or less desirable.

For example, “The competitor’s product is inferior. It doesn’t perform as well.”
A person might say, “The service at that restaurant is inferior. The staff is not attentive.”
Another might comment, “The quality of the material is inferior. It’s not durable.”

39. Unsatisfactory

This term refers to something that does not meet expectations or requirements. It suggests that something is not satisfactory or adequate.

For instance, “The customer service was unsatisfactory. They were rude and unhelpful.”
A person might say, “The results of the experiment were unsatisfactory. They didn’t support the hypothesis.”
Another might comment, “The condition of the apartment was unsatisfactory. It was dirty and in disrepair.”

40. Faulty

This word describes something that is defective or has a defect. It suggests that there is a problem or issue with the functioning or quality of something.

For example, “The car has a faulty engine. It keeps stalling.”
A person might say, “The experiment produced faulty results. There was an error in the data.”
Another might comment, “The product has faulty wiring. It’s a safety hazard.”

41. Substandard

This term refers to something that is of lower quality or below the expected standard. It implies that the item or situation is not up to par or is lacking in some way.

For example, a customer might complain, “The service at that restaurant was substandard.”
A person might say, “The company’s substandard products are not worth the price.”
In a product review, someone might write, “The substandard materials used in this item make it prone to breaking easily.”

42. Flawed

This word describes something that has faults or defects. It suggests that there are inherent problems or issues with the item or situation.

For instance, a person might criticize, “The flawed design of this product makes it difficult to use.”
In a discussion about a movie, someone might say, “While the film had potential, it was ultimately flawed in its execution.”
A reviewer might note, “The flawed logic in this argument undermines its credibility.”

43. Unacceptable

This term indicates that something is not satisfactory or appropriate. It conveys a strong disapproval or rejection of the item or situation.

For example, a person might say, “The company’s response to the issue was completely unacceptable.”
In a review of a restaurant, someone might write, “The long wait times and rude staff were simply unacceptable.”
A customer might complain, “The quality of this product is unacceptable for the price.”

44. Unappealing

This word describes something that is not visually or aesthetically pleasing. It suggests that the item or situation lacks appeal or is unattractive in some way.

For instance, a person might comment, “The color scheme of this room is unappealing.”
In a discussion about food, someone might say, “The unappealing presentation of the dish made it less appetizing.”
A reviewer might note, “The unappealing cover of this book does not do justice to its content.”

45. Uninspiring

This term suggests that something does not evoke inspiration or excitement. It implies that the item or situation is dull or lacking in creativity.

For example, a person might say, “The uninspiring lecture left me feeling bored and uninterested.”
In a discussion about art, someone might comment, “The artist’s latest work is uninspiring and lacks originality.”
A reviewer might note, “The uninspiring plot and characters make this book difficult to engage with.”

46. Unimpressive

This term is used to describe something that is not impressive or does not meet expectations. It suggests that the thing in question falls short of what was anticipated or desired.

For example, a movie reviewer might say, “The special effects were unimpressive and lacked originality.”
In a discussion about a sports performance, someone might comment, “The team’s performance was unimpressive and lacked energy.”
A person might describe a meal as unimpressive, saying, “The flavors were bland and the presentation was unappealing.”

47. Lackluster

This term is used to describe something that is lacking in excitement or energy. It suggests that the thing in question is unimpressive and fails to capture attention or generate enthusiasm.

For instance, a concert attendee might say, “The band’s performance was lackluster and lacked passion.”
In a review of a book, someone might comment, “The plot was lackluster and failed to engage the reader.”
A person might describe a party as lackluster, saying, “The decorations were minimal and the atmosphere was dull.”

48. Bummer

This term is used to express disappointment or sadness about a situation or outcome. It suggests that the thing in question is unfortunate or regrettable.

For example, if someone’s plans get canceled, they might say, “What a bummer, I was really looking forward to that.”
In a conversation about a failed project, someone might comment, “It’s such a bummer that all our hard work went to waste.”
A person might describe a rainy day as a bummer, saying, “I had plans for outdoor activities, but the weather turned out to be a bummer.”

49. Useless

This term is used to describe something that is ineffective or has no practical value. It suggests that the thing in question is of no use or benefit.

For instance, if a tool is broken and cannot be repaired, someone might say, “It’s useless now, we’ll have to get a new one.”
In a discussion about a product, someone might comment, “The feature was useless and added unnecessary complexity.”
A person might describe a piece of advice as useless, saying, “The suggestions were impractical and useless in solving the problem.”

50. Horrible

This term is used to describe something that is extremely unpleasant, distressing, or of very poor quality. It suggests that the thing in question is exceptionally bad or undesirable.

For example, a person might say, “The food at that restaurant was horrible, I couldn’t even finish my meal.”
In a review of a movie, someone might comment, “The acting was horrible and the plot was predictable.”
A person might describe a car accident as horrible, saying, “It was a horrible experience, I hope I never have to go through that again.”

51. Nasty

This term is used to describe something that is unpleasant, gross, or revolting. It can also be used to describe an action or behavior that is mean or unkind.

For example, “The food at that restaurant was nasty, I couldn’t even finish it.”
Someone might say, “He made a nasty comment about her appearance.”
In a discussion about a horror movie, a person might comment, “That scene was so nasty, I had to look away.”

52. Sucky

This slang term is used to describe something that is of poor quality or not enjoyable. It can be used to express disappointment or dissatisfaction.

For instance, “The movie was really sucky, I wouldn’t recommend it.”
A person might say, “I had a sucky day at work, everything went wrong.”
In a conversation about a concert, someone might comment, “The sound quality was sucky, I couldn’t hear anything clearly.”