bad figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe inaccurate or unfavorable numerical data or statistics in various contexts, such as finance, research, or reporting. Example: "The report was dismissed due to the bad figures presented, which did not align with the actual sales data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Not even the Lib Dems ever got such bad figures.

The Economist

[Miliband] recited some bad figures for waiting times.

The Guardian

Not bad figures by any means, but the bite didn't match the bark on this occasion.

The Guardian - Sport

American officers have learned that no figures are vastly better than bad figures.

The New York Times

James Purnell, the work and pensions secretary, told BBC Radio 4's World at One: "These are bad figures.

The Guardian

All in all, not bad figures, especially given the concern in the run-up over slow ticket sales.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Well, I'm not convinced that 25% is such a bad figure.

The Guardian - Tech

That's not a bad figure for any website; for poetry it's little short of spectacular.

The Guardian - Books

I was also relieved, as it meant I had not inflicted the curse of the brutta figura, which literally translates as bad figure, on my family.

The Guardian

Q4 GDP of 1.9% is not a bad figure, when taken together with the unrevised 3.5% growth in Q3, and suggests that the US economy picked up momentum in the second half of the year.

The Guardian - Business

"The rise in joblessness is a very bad figure, but the tendency for the rise to slow, which began about a year ago in March, continues, although we have yet to hit the ceiling," she added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad figures", clarify the specific aspect that makes them unfavorable (e.g., "bad sales figures", "bad unemployment figures") to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "bad figures" without specifying the context or type of data. Saying "the figures are bad" lacks clarity. Instead, specify what kind of figures are being discussed, such as "the inflation figures are bad".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad figures" functions as a noun phrase where "bad" modifies "figures", indicating a negative or unfavorable quality of numerical data. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is used to describe various types of data, from economic indicators to sales statistics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad figures" is a commonly used phrase to describe unfavorable numerical data or statistics across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, business, and sports reporting. For clarity, specify the type of figures being discussed (e.g., "bad sales figures"). Alternatives include "poor statistics" or "unfavorable data". When using the phrase, remember to provide context to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Poor statistics

Replaces "figures" with a more general term, slightly broadening the scope.

Unfavorable data

Substitutes "bad" with "unfavorable" and "figures" with "data", focusing on the negative aspect of the information.

Negative numbers

Emphasizes the numerical representation of the data being discussed.

Disappointing results

Focuses on the emotional impact of the figures, implying they didn't meet expectations.

Adverse statistics

Replaces "bad" with "adverse", maintaining a formal and negative tone.

Weak performance indicators

Highlights the role of the figures as indicators of performance, suitable in a business context.

Subpar metrics

Uses business jargon to describe figures that are below the expected standard.

Deficient numbers

Emphasizes the lack or shortage represented by the figures.

Unpromising data

Suggests that the figures indicate a lack of future potential or success.

Grim statistics

Implies a severe and depressing outlook based on the figures.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad figures" to describe unfavorable numerical data or statistics. For example, "The company's report showed "bad figures" for quarterly earnings, leading to a drop in stock prices."

What are some alternatives to saying "bad figures"?

Alternatives to "bad figures" include "poor statistics", "unfavorable data", or "negative numbers", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the figures are bad"?

While grammatically correct, it's more effective to specify what kind of figures are being discussed. For instance, "The unemployment figures are bad" provides more context than simply stating "the figures are bad".

What does "bad figures" typically refer to in economic contexts?

In economic contexts, "bad figures" usually refer to indicators like high unemployment rates, low GDP growth, or rising inflation that suggest a struggling economy.