bad money

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad money" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to currency that is considered to have little value or is not accepted in transactions, often due to inflation or lack of trust in the issuing authority. Example: "During the economic crisis, many people found themselves stuck with bad money that they couldn't use for everyday purchases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

(Self would prefer "Bad Money").

The New York Times

"It was bad money management," he conceded.

The New York Times - Sports

It is bad money and dangerous".

The New York Times

4. Bad Money, by Kevin Phillips.

The New York Times

Young people in Tokyo earn really bad money".

The Guardian

Being Lilya, she does a good thing with bad money.

The New Yorker

Not bad money for a 43-year-old.

The Guardian - Sport

5 -- BAD MONEY by Kevin Phillips (Viking, $25.95).

The New York Times

Who's to say what's good or bad money?

The Guardian - Arts

"Gresham's law"—that bad money chases out good applies to paper cash too.

The Economist

There was a saying I heard growing up in Louisiana: "Bad money doesn't spend right".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad money", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey: is it about value, ethics, or management? Choose synonyms accordingly for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "bad money" when you specifically mean a "bad investment". The first refers to the nature or source of the money itself, while the second refers to an unwise use of funds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad money" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'bad' modifies 'money'. It describes money that is undesirable, either due to its source, its diminished value, or its mismanagement. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Books

5%

Reference

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bad money" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe money that is undesirable for various reasons, from its source to its value or management. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage spans from neutral to slightly informal contexts. Related phrases such as "worthless currency" or "ill-gotten gains" can offer more specific connotations depending on the intended meaning. When writing, ensure that you're not confusing "bad money" with "bad investments", each having distinct meanings. Overall, the versatility and frequency of "bad money" make it a relevant and readily understood phrase in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worthless currency

Focuses specifically on the lack of monetary value.

devalued money

Highlights the reduction in the money's purchasing power.

tainted funds

Suggests the money has a negative or unethical origin.

ill-gotten gains

Emphasizes the illegal or dishonest manner in which the money was acquired.

dubious money

Highlights the uncertainty or lack of trust associated with the money.

questionable funds

Similar to dubious money, suggesting uncertainty about the money's origin or legitimacy.

risky investment

Focuses on the potential loss or failure associated with the money.

wasteful spending

Emphasizes the imprudent or irresponsible use of money.

reckless finance

Highlights the irresponsible management or handling of money.

financial mismanagement

Refers to the poor or ineffective administration of funds.

FAQs

How can "bad money" be used in a sentence?

"Bad money" can refer to funds obtained illegally, poorly managed finances, or currency with little value. For example: "The company was accused of laundering "tainted funds"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "bad money"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "worthless currency", "devalued money", "tainted funds", or "ill-gotten gains".

In economics, what does "bad money drives out good" mean?

This refers to Gresham's Law, which states that if there are two forms of commodity money in circulation, which are accepted by law as having similar face value, the more valuable commodity will gradually disappear from circulation.

What's the difference between "bad money" and "financial mismanagement"?

"Bad money" often implies a fundamental issue with the money's source or inherent value, while "financial mismanagement" refers to the poor handling or administration of funds, regardless of their origin or nature.