Bad decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Bad decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disapproval or criticism of a choice or action that is perceived as unwise or detrimental. Example: "Choosing to invest in that failing company was a bad decision that cost us a lot of money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bad decision.

The Guardian - Sport

"Bad decision on his part.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a bad decision".

The New York Times

It was a bad decision.

The New Yorker

"It's bad decision making.

The New York Times - Sports

Either way, they made a bad decision.

The New York Times

It was a bad decision, he conceded.

The New York Times - Sports

Johnson said, "It was a bad decision".

The New York Times - Sports

What bad decision would you turn around?

The New York Times

But this was a bad decision.

The New York Times

It was a really bad decision".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Bad decision", consider specifying the consequences or impact of the decision to provide more context and clarity. For example: "Hiring that candidate was a bad decision, and it led to project delays."

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something was a "bad decision" without explaining why. Always provide reasoning or evidence to support your assessment. Instead of saying "That was a bad decision", explain: "That was a bad decision because it ignored key market trends."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Bad decision" functions as a noun phrase that expresses a negative evaluation or judgment about a choice or action. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates disapproval or criticism. Examples show it's used to assess past actions and their consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Bad decision" is a commonly used phrase to express criticism or disapproval of a choice or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While generally neutral in register, consider context when choosing between it and more formal alternatives like "poor judgment". To enhance clarity, always provide context when using "Bad decision" by explaining the negative consequences or flawed reasoning behind the evaluated action. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Sports contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Poor judgment

Focuses on the quality of the thought process leading to the decision.

Unwise choice

Highlights the lack of wisdom in the selection made.

Ill-advised action

Emphasizes the imprudence of the action taken.

Mistake

A simple and direct way to refer to a wrong decision.

Error in judgment

Similar to poor judgment but more formal.

Folly

Implies a foolish or senseless act.

Blunder

Suggests a significant and often embarrassing mistake.

Miscalculation

Focuses on the incorrect assessment of factors involved in the decision.

Oversight

Suggests that something important was missed or ignored.

Regrettable choice

Highlights the feeling of regret associated with the decision.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "Bad decision"?

You can use alternatives like "poor judgment", "unwise choice", or "mistake" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "Bad decision" in a sentence?

You can use "Bad decision" to express disapproval or criticism of a choice. For example: "Choosing to ignore the warning signs was a "bad decision", and it led to serious consequences."

What makes a decision qualify as a "Bad decision"?

A decision is typically considered a "bad decision" if it leads to negative outcomes, contradicts available evidence, or disregards sound judgment. The context often determines whether a decision is deemed "bad".

Is it too harsh to describe something as a "Bad decision"?

The appropriateness of using "Bad decision" depends on the situation and your relationship with the person involved. In some cases, softer alternatives like "poor choice" or "unfortunate decision" might be more suitable.