bad order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is not functioning properly or is in a state of disarray, often in logistics or inventory management. Example: "Due to a bad order, we are unable to fulfill the customer's request on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The enemy retired in bad order.

The New Yorker

Fire at will!" The foe retired in bad order.

The New Yorker

No, too bad: order comes quickly and play goes on, minus the perps.

The New Yorker

Axcelis trading should have been halted after the bad order was entered.

The New York Times

But the end of a very bad order does not, necessarily, lead to a better one.

The New Yorker

One bad order of mahi-mahi can filet your reputation.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A result was that the firm that placed the bad orders apparently suffered no losses.

The New York Times

Whether the mortar rounds that killed the Afghans were a result of bad aim, bad orders or bad intentions remains to be determined.

The New York Times

What distinguishes Thursday's Nasdaq mishap from other recent computerized trading malfunctions is that it involved the dissemination of prices, not the submission of bad orders.

The New York Times

After a speech in 2014, Mattis was asked whether there was a situation in which he'd resign over bad orders from civilian leaders.

The New Yorker

Beware only the Dreaded Taiwanese Brown Sauce; a dark, heavy and strangely sweet "barbecue" sauce that in one dish is interesting, in two cloying, and in three really bad ordering.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system failure, use "bad order" to indicate a malfunction or improper functioning. For example, "The production line stopped due to a machine being in bad order."

Common error

Avoid using "bad order" when referring to moral or ethical issues. Instead, reserve it for situations involving physical or systematic disarray, or a state of being unfit for its intended purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad order" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a state of disrepair, malfunction, or unsuitability. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad order" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of disrepair or malfunction. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its occurrence is relatively uncommon, appearing most frequently in news and media contexts. When writing, consider the nuance you wish to convey and choose the most suitable alternative based on specific context. Alternatives include "faulty arrangement", "improper sequence", or "defective condition".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faulty arrangement

Replaces 'bad' with 'faulty' and 'order' with 'arrangement', emphasizing the flawed organization.

improper sequence

Focuses on the incorrect or unsuitable sequence of elements.

defective condition

Highlights the flawed or impaired state of something, broadening the context beyond just sequence.

disorderly state

Emphasizes the lack of order and organization.

unsuitable arrangement

Indicates that the arrangement is not appropriate or fitting for its purpose.

flawed system

Shifts the focus to the system itself having defects.

incorrect alignment

Highlights the incorrect positioning or arrangement of elements.

poor organization

Emphasizes the lack of effective structuring.

jumbled mess

Suggests a chaotic and confused state.

tangled situation

Highlights the complexity and difficulty of resolving the disordered state.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad order" to describe something that is not functioning correctly or is in a state of disarray. For example, "The equipment was in "bad order" and needed repair."

What's a good alternative to "bad order"?

Alternatives include "faulty arrangement", "improper sequence", or "defective condition" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in bad order"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "in bad order". It describes the state of something being broken or not functioning properly.

When should I not use "bad order"?

Avoid using "bad order" when describing a person's character or moral qualities; instead, use it for physical objects, systems, or processes that are not functioning correctly.