a bad job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad job" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or work that has been performed poorly or unsatisfactorily. Example: "The report was poorly researched and poorly written; it was truly a bad job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I did a bad job of predicting".

The New York Times - Sports

"I did a bad job".

The New York Times

Tell me I'm doing a bad job.

The New York Times

"She didn't do a bad job".

The New York Times

I have never had a bad job.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is not a bad job," he said.

The New York Times

I am not saying Thomas was doing a bad job.

The New York Times - Sports

And it's not doing a bad job of it.

Independent

They know the General is doing a bad job.

The New Yorker

"It was making the best of a bad job".

Independent

"If my person lost, the press did a bad job".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To soften the expression "a bad job", consider using phrases like "an inadequate effort" or "a substandard performance".

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone did "a bad job" without providing specific reasons. This can come across as vague and unhelpful. Instead, pinpoint the exact issues, such as "the presentation was disorganized" or "the analysis lacked sufficient data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad job" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "bad" modifies the noun "job". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bad job" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe unsatisfactory work. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "a substandard performance" or "an inadequate effort" may be preferable in professional settings. When using this phrase, providing specific details about the deficiencies will enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a terrible piece of work

Emphasizes the extremely poor nature of the work done.

a substandard performance

Emphasizes that the performance did not meet the required or expected standards.

an inadequate piece of work

Highlights that the work done was insufficient or not good enough.

a deficient effort

Stresses the lack of effort or quality in the work produced.

a poorly executed task

Focuses on the execution aspect, highlighting that the task was not carried out well.

a defective effort

Highlights the flaws and imperfections that render the effort unsatisfactory.

a botched attempt

Implies a failed attempt, often due to incompetence or clumsiness.

a regrettable performance

Focuses on the negative feelings associated with a poorly executed job.

a slipshod effort

Describes work done carelessly or negligently.

a crumby piece of work

Informal term indicating poor quality of work.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a bad job"?

You can use alternatives like "a poorly executed task", "a substandard performance", or "a terrible piece of work" depending on the context.

How to use "a bad job" in a sentence?

You can use "a bad job" to describe work or a task that was performed poorly. For example: "The contractor did a bad job on the renovation."

Which is correct, "a bad job" or "badly job"?

"A bad job" is correct. "Bad" is an adjective describing the noun "job". "Badly" is an adverb and would not be grammatically correct in this phrase.

Is "a bad job" formal or informal?

"A bad job" is generally considered neutral to informal. In highly formal settings, consider using phrases like "a substandard performance" or "an inadequate effort".