a bad result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad result" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing outcomes that are unfavorable or disappointing in various contexts, such as academic, professional, or personal situations. Example: "After analyzing the data, we found that the experiment led to a bad result, which was not what we anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I got a bad result.

The New York Times

A bad result doesn't change the perspective".

The Guardian - Sport

It's a bad result," admitted Kriukov.

The Guardian - Sport

Not a bad result for the increasingly lonely Scot.

Independent

"But yes, it's not a bad result for Denman either.

Independent

A bad result for UKIP, which is now finished.

Independent

Not a bad result after a decade at the top.

The Guardian - Opinion

And when it happens you have a bad result.

The New York Times

This isn't a bad result, considering the Fillmore's somewhat Disneyfied atmosphere these days.

The New York Times

Doing this in the heat of the moment, you always get a bad result".

The New Yorker

Madrid could, and probably should, have got more and it was certainly a bad result.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing research findings, use "a bad result" to clearly indicate that the data did not support the hypothesis. This avoids ambiguity and provides a straightforward assessment of the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when describing "a bad result". Instead of saying "The experiment's results were bad", opt for the active voice: "The experiment yielded a bad result". This makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a bad result" is as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It identifies or describes a specific outcome or consequence. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to unfavorable or disappointing situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bad result" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an unfavorable outcome across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for both formal and informal settings, although it appears most frequently in news and media. When using this phrase, consider alternatives such as "an unfavorable outcome" or "a negative consequence" for stylistic variation, and always ensure the active voice is prioritized for more impactful communication. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its broad applicability in expressing disappointment or failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unfavorable outcome

Focuses on the lack of favor or advantage in the outcome.

a negative consequence

Highlights the adverse effects stemming from a particular action or situation.

a poor showing

Emphasizes the inadequate or unsatisfactory performance.

a disappointing development

Indicates that the unfolding situation has not met expectations.

an unfortunate turn of events

Suggests that the situation has taken an undesirable direction due to bad luck.

an undesirable effect

Highlights the unwanted impact or influence produced by something.

a setback

Implies a temporary impediment or reversal in progress.

a failure

Emphasizes a complete lack of success or attainment.

a defeat

Suggests a loss in a competition or struggle.

a debacle

Highlights a complete collapse or failure, often in a humiliating way.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "an unfavorable outcome", "a negative consequence", or "a poor showing" depending on the context.

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

You can use "a bad result" to describe various unfavorable outcomes. For instance: "The company's marketing campaign led to a bad result, with significantly lower sales than anticipated." or "Getting "a bad result" on the exam forced me to study harder".

Which is correct, "a bad result" or "bad results"?

"A bad result" refers to a single instance of an unfavorable outcome, while "bad results" refers to multiple instances. For example, "The study showed a bad result" versus "The study showed bad results across multiple trials".

What's the difference between "a bad result" and "a poor result"?

While both phrases indicate an undesirable outcome, "a poor result" may suggest a lesser degree of negativity compared to "a bad result". "A bad result" implies a more significant failure or problem.