bad gamble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad gamble" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a risky decision or action that is likely to result in a negative outcome. Example: Investing in that failing company was a bad gamble. Alternative expressions include "poor bet" and "risky move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It turns out to have been a bad gamble.

The New York Times

But the difficult shoestring catch has become a bad gamble.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was a gamble, and it was a bad gamble on my part".

Independent

It was a bad gamble by Hinske, but Edwin Jackson survived the jam.

The New York Times

When Scutaro slashed a double down the first-base line to give the Giants a 4-1 lead, it also proved a bad gamble.

The New York Times - Sports

This sop to excessive materialism will be a scant recompense for the $11 billion Harvard's endowment managers lost in their own bad gamble on interest-rate swaps.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

You may look at these numbers and decide that both tests are good gambles — or that both are bad gambles.

The New York Times

"I guess some college students have bad gambling problems, just like in general society," he said.

The New York Times

"Jerry was a nice guy," Mr. Bove said, but "he had a very bad gambling problem".

The New York Times

Directed by Karel Reisz, the film stars James Caan as a college professor with a bad gambling habit and an impressive wardrobe of tight, chest-hair-revealing shirts.

The New York Times

Deposit insurance can make depositors less vigilant about the quality of banks, increasing the likelihood that bankers will make bad gambles with depositors' money, as they did during the savings-and-loan crisis of the eighties.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad gamble", ensure the context clearly indicates the potential negative consequences and the elements of risk involved.

Common error

Avoid using "bad gamble" when the situation involves minimal risk or when the negative outcome is not significant. Use more appropriate terms like "slight miscalculation" or "minor setback" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad gamble" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it identifies and characterizes a specific action or decision as unwise or risky. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad gamble" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a risky decision likely to have negative outcomes. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, but is also present in business and scientific contexts. When writing, be mindful to use it when there is a significant level of risk and to avoid overstating the potential impact. Alternatives such as "risky bet" or "unwise investment" may be considered for specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor risk

Focuses on the level of risk involved being unfavorable, replacing "gamble" with a more general term.

risky bet

Replaces "gamble" with "bet", emphasizing the wagering aspect of the decision.

ill-advised speculation

Formal alternative, highlights poor judgment in making a speculative decision.

unwise investment

Specifically refers to financial investments that are not prudent.

foolhardy move

Emphasizes the recklessness and lack of foresight in the action.

imprudent decision

Highlights the lack of careful consideration and wisdom in the choice.

unfortunate choice

Focuses on the negative outcome and the regret associated with the decision.

costly mistake

Highlights the monetary or other significant losses resulting from the action.

losing proposition

Emphasizes the likely failure and negative outcome of the situation.

failed venture

Describes an undertaking or project that did not succeed, resulting in losses.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad gamble" to describe a risky decision with a high chance of failure. For example, "Investing all our savings in that startup proved to be a "bad gamble"."

What are some alternatives to saying "bad gamble"?

Alternatives include "poor risk", "risky bet", or "ill-advised speculation", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to say "bad gamble" or "poor gamble"?

"Bad gamble" is more common and generally preferred. While "poor gamble" is understandable, it's less idiomatic. Consider using phrases like "poor risk" instead.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "bad gamble"?

Avoid using "bad gamble" in situations where the risk is minimal or the potential negative consequences are insignificant. It's best suited for scenarios with substantial stakes and a clear possibility of unfavorable outcomes.