bad master

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad master" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone in a position of authority who is ineffective, abusive, or untrustworthy. Example: "The crew struggled under the leadership of their bad master, who often made reckless decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

That's the trouble with anger: it's a good servant, but a bad master.

The Guardian

Overall, they view it as a good servant but a bad master.

Harvard Business Review

"If someone does a good job mastering a record and puts it on 120 gram, it's going to be better than a bad master on 200 gram," Mr. Kassem said.

The New York Times - Tech

No, but it does mean that money is a bad master.

Forbes

Technology is a good servant but a bad master.

Huffington Post

Technology is a bad master, but a wonderful servant.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

That provokes complaints from animal lovers, who say there are no bad breeds, just bad masters.

The New York Times

While stories told to the media and at the legislature helped to bring migrant domestic workers a sense of visibility and recognition in broader society, I argue that these heavily curated narratives drew on longstanding tropes of bad masters, individual victims, and the home as a site of care, that have longer genealogies in slavery and colonialism.

Columbia University

This year's nominees for Best Drama Series include "Breaking Bad," "Masters Of Sex," "House Of Cards," "The Good Wife" and "Downton Abbey".

Huffington Post

The apprentices were vulnerable to maltreatment by bad masters, to industrial accidents, to ill-health from their work, ill-health from overwork, and ill-health from contagious diseases such as smallpox, typhoid and typhus which were then widespread.

Wikipedia

Here's a hint: they all feature that Time Lord gone bad, Missy/the Master!

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "bad master", ensure the context clearly defines the specific deficiencies or negative qualities of the person in authority. Provide concrete examples to strengthen your critique.

Common error

Don't use "bad master" as a blanket term without specifying the exact nature of their inadequacy. Instead of simply stating someone is a "bad master", explain whether they lack competence, are cruel, or exhibit other undesirable traits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad master" functions as a noun phrase where "bad" modifies the noun "master", describing a person in a position of authority who is deficient in some way. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples showing the phrase used to criticize leadership.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad master" is grammatically sound and functions to criticize someone in a position of authority. Ludwig AI shows its use in various news and media contexts. While not exceedingly common, the phrase effectively conveys disapproval or condemnation. Remember to provide specific details when using this phrase to ensure clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "incompetent leader" or "tyrannical boss" to fine-tune your meaning. Ultimately, be sure to support your evaluation with explicit reasons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incompetent leader

Focuses on the lack of skill or ability in leading.

poor manager

Emphasizes the deficiency in managing resources or people.

ineffectual supervisor

Highlights the inability to produce desired results in a supervisory role.

tyrannical boss

Indicates oppressive and cruel leadership.

abusive authority

Stresses the harmful and unethical use of power.

negligent overseer

Points out the lack of proper care and attention in overseeing tasks.

failed administrator

Highlights the lack of success in administrative duties.

unfit commander

Suggests a lack of suitability for a commanding position.

detrimental influence

Emphasizes the harmful effects of someone's power or control.

corrupt official

Focuses on dishonesty and unethical conduct in a position of authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad master" to describe someone in a position of authority who is ineffective or abusive. For example, "The project failed due to the decisions of a "bad master"."

What are some alternatives to "bad master"?

Alternatives include "incompetent leader", "poor manager", or "tyrannical boss", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "bad master"?

Yes, the phrase "bad master" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English syntax and is understandable.

What is the difference between "bad master" and "poor leader"?

"Bad master" implies a more direct, potentially abusive, relationship, while "poor leader" generally refers to a lack of effectiveness or skill in guiding a group.