bad press

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad press" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to negative news stories, or reports about a person, organization, or event. For example: "The scandal received a lot of bad press and damaged the company's reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

NUMBERS get a bad press.

The Economist

Lies, that's the bad press.

The New York Times

Belgium gets a bad press.

Independent

Crowds have a bad press.

The Economist

"Nothing but bad press.

The New York Times - Sports

Love gets a bad press.

The Guardian - Opinion

Foxes get a bad press.

The Guardian

Bad press has been growing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pigeons often get a bad press.

Independent

The guerrillas naturally get a bad press.

The Economist

IMMIGRANTS tend to get a bad press.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "bad press", ensure that you are referring to specific instances of negative media coverage rather than general dislike or disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "bad press" when you actually mean a lack of media attention or promotion. "Bad press" specifically refers to negative coverage, not the absence of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad press" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "get bad press") or the subject of a clause. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating that it's used to describe negative media coverage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad press" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to negative media coverage. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use, particularly in News & Media contexts. While alternatives like "negative publicity" or "unfavorable coverage" exist, "bad press" is direct and easily understood. Remember to use it when referring to specific instances of negative media reports, and avoid confusing it with a simple lack of promotion. The phrase is predominantly neutral in register but carries a negative connotation due to the nature of the subject it describes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative publicity

Focuses more on the act of publicizing negative information.

unfavorable coverage

Highlights the negative tone and scope of the media reports.

adverse media attention

Emphasizes the unwanted and harmful aspect of the attention received from the media.

poor media representation

Highlights the negative portrayal of someone or something in the media.

damaging publicity

Stresses the harmful effects of the negative reports.

negative reputation

Focuses on the resulting negative image or perception.

public criticism

Emphasizes the expression of disapproval or censure in public.

media backlash

Suggests a strong and adverse reaction from the media.

scathing reviews

Refers specifically to harsh and critical evaluations.

public disapproval

Emphasizes the general public's negative view.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone or something gets "bad press"?

Getting "bad press" means receiving negative media coverage, which can damage reputation or public perception.

What are some alternatives to saying "bad press"?

Alternatives include "negative publicity", "unfavorable coverage", or "adverse media attention".

How does "bad press" affect a company or individual?

"Bad press" can lead to decreased sales, loss of customers, damage to reputation, and decreased public trust.

Is there any such thing as good "bad press"?

The expression "any publicity is good publicity" suggests that any attention, even "bad press", can raise awareness. However, extreme negativity may be harmful, and should be managed with appropriate PR and communications strategies.