bad consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a potentially harmful result or outcome of an action. For example: "His reckless driving had the bad consequence of landing him in jail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The second big, bad consequence is declining social mobility.

The New York Times

But there's always a good and bad consequence to the adoption of new technologies.

Harvard University

You see the bad consequence coming and the image paralyzes your judgment.

The New Yorker

Well, one person ending up dead isn't as bad as a thousand people ending up dead, but for all that shouldn't we still say it's a bad consequence?

Yale University

But, after all, chains of human causality are, if not infinite, very long; in every life, some bad consequence of your upbringing will eventually emerge.

The New Yorker

And what harms identity, what harms us as individuals, as minds, is not just a bad consequence – it is bad in principle.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Bad style had bad consequences.

The New York Times - Books

That would have good and bad consequences.

The Economist

This has both good and bad consequences.

Stanford University

Because it leads to bad consequences.

The Guardian

A demonstration might provoke bad consequences.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cause-and-effect relationships, ensure that the "bad consequence" is clearly linked to the action or event that caused it. This strengthens the argument and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the severity of the "bad consequence". Accurate representation maintains credibility and prevents the argument from being dismissed as hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad consequence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a negative outcome or result stemming from an action, event, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad consequence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe negative outcomes resulting from specific actions or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific contexts. While simple, it serves to clearly communicate concern about potential negative results. To enhance writing, make sure the connection between cause and "bad consequence" is apparent. Alternatives such as "negative outcome" or "adverse effect" can introduce nuanced variations while maintaining semantic proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative outcome

Focuses on the result being negative, without explicitly linking it to a prior action.

adverse effect

Emphasizes the harmful or unfavorable nature of the result.

unfavorable result

Highlights the lack of a positive outcome.

detrimental impact

Stresses the damaging or harmful influence.

negative repercussions

Implies a wider range of negative effects following an action.

poor outcome

Indicates a result that is not satisfactory or desirable.

unwanted consequence

Highlights that the result was not intended or desired.

ill effect

A more concise way of saying harmful outcome.

undesirable outcome

Similar to 'unwanted consequence' but perhaps less strong.

negative ramification

Emphasizes the branching out of negative effects.

FAQs

How can I use "bad consequence" in a sentence?

You can use "bad consequence" to describe a negative outcome resulting from an action or decision. For instance, "The company's failure to invest in cybersecurity had the "bad consequence" of a major data breach".

What are some alternatives to "bad consequence"?

Alternatives include "negative outcome", "adverse effect", or "unfavorable result". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "negative consequence" or "bad consequence"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "negative consequence" may sound slightly more formal and objective. "Bad consequence" can be used effectively in most contexts and conveys a more direct sense of negativity.

What is the difference between a "bad consequence" and a "side effect"?

A "bad consequence" generally refers to an unwanted result of an action or decision. A "side effect", on the other hand, often refers to an unintended, but potentially known, result, often in the context of medical treatments or interventions. For example, a medication might have a "side effect" of drowsiness, while a policy change might have a "bad consequence" of decreased morale.