bad deed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad deed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an immoral or unethical act or behavior. For example, "John was punished for the bad deed he had done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

When protectionism is rampant, no bad deed goes unrewarded.

The Washington Post

Hacking was a bad deed in the dark.

The Guardian

And so prosecutors in the Bierenbaum case have been piling threat upon threat, motive upon motive, bad deed upon bad deed.

The New York Times

If only the responsiveness program had been his sole bad deed.

The Washington Post

She recommends focusing not just on the bad deed, but more important, on how to make amends.

The New York Times

But if ever an athlete has earned the right to respect after a bad deed, Sprewell has.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But in this novel, as in life, bad deeds often go unpunished.

The New York Times - Books

Even among men who have done bad deeds, kindness, camaraderie and humour can prevail.

Independent

Milton Bradley taught us that good deeds yield rewards and bad deeds have consequences.

The New Yorker

"As a politician, Mao's good deeds and bad deeds were both determined by China's history and culture.

The New Yorker

(Admittedly, most bad deeds don't go unpunished on Breaking Bad, either. It's a punitive show).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific instance of a "bad deed", provide context to clarify the nature and severity of the action. This helps the audience understand the implications fully.

Common error

Avoid using overly vague or softened language when describing a "bad deed". While tact is important, clarity ensures the seriousness of the action is understood and not dismissed or understated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad deed" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad deed" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood way to describe an immoral or unethical action. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and provides diverse examples from reputable sources. While synonyms like "wrongdoing" or "misdeed" offer alternative expressions, "bad deed" maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, consider the specific intent and severity of the action to ensure the language accurately reflects the situation. Remember to avoid euphemisms and maintain clarity to emphasize the seriousness of the "bad deed" being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misdeed

Synonym with a slightly more formal tone.

wrongdoing

Emphasizes the violation of moral or legal standards.

offense

Implies a breach of rules or laws.

transgression

Suggests a violation of a moral or religious law.

immoral act

Directly states the lack of morality in the action.

unethical behavior

Highlights the violation of ethical principles.

crime

Specifically refers to an illegal act.

iniquity

Indicates a severe form of injustice or wickedness.

atrocity

Signifies an extremely wicked or cruel act.

evil act

Focuses on the inherent evil nature of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad deed" to refer to an action considered immoral or unethical. For example, "The consequences of his "bad deed" haunted him for years."

What are some synonyms for "bad deed"?

Some synonyms for "bad deed" include "misdeed", "wrongdoing", "offense", and "transgression". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "bad deed" or "evil deed"?

"Evil deed" implies a greater level of malevolence and intent compared to "bad deed". Use "evil deed" when the act is exceptionally wicked. Otherwise, "bad deed" is generally sufficient.

What is the difference between a "bad deed" and a "mistake"?

A "bad deed" suggests intentional wrongdoing or a moral lapse, while a "mistake" typically implies an unintentional error or oversight. The key difference lies in the intent and awareness of the actor.