bad proposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad proposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea or suggestion that is considered unfavorable or unwise. Example: "The committee rejected the bad proposition for the new policy, citing its potential negative impact on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It might not be a bad proposition for the dealers, either.

The New York Times

There is now a plastic guaranteed for twenty years, and if you think that you have to paint your house every six years and put a new roof on every ten, that's not such a bad proposition".

The New Yorker

His patrón wouldn't allow the use of poison of any kind — the owners didn't like it, and it worked its way up the food chain and killed everything out there, which Marciano didn't think was such a bad proposition, but it wasn't his job to think.

The New Yorker

Not a bad proposition, especially when parents are exposing children to technology earlier and earlier these days (for better or worse).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

That's what makes booking a hotel online such a risky proposition: A bad flight you can forget, but a hotel necessarily sticks with you during a trip, making or breaking it.

TechCrunch

FRINGE (FOX) "Fringe" is a good news, bad news proposition.

The New York Times - Arts

Against the punishing austerity demanded by Germany, an exit from the euro — followed by a sharp devaluation — might not seem too bad a proposition.

The New York Times

Not a bad business proposition for local bandits in one of the poorest regions of the Philippines -- or for a growing number of hostage takers around the world.

The New York Times

Not a bad business proposition.

Forbes

Watching "Bob's Burgers," Fox's new Sunday night cartoon, is a good-news, bad-news proposition.

The New York Times - Arts

The decision was not unexpected, but it was a good news-bad news proposition for Boston Properties, which is finishing up the Ernst & Young building at the southwest corner of 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue and building the 1.2 million-square-foot Times Square Tower, across Seventh Avenue, between 41st and 42nd Street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad proposition", ensure the context clearly indicates why the proposition is considered unfavorable. Provide specific reasons or evidence to support your assessment.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is a "bad proposition" without explaining why. Instead, elaborate on the specific flaws, risks, or negative consequences associated with it to make your assessment more persuasive and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad proposition" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "bad" modifies the noun "proposition". It describes a suggestion, plan, or deal that is considered unfavorable or unwise. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad proposition" effectively conveys that an idea, plan, or offer is unfavorable. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, although notes it is relatively uncommon. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase benefits from concrete examples explaining the reasons behind the negative assessment. Alternatives like ""poor suggestion"" or ""unfavorable offer"" can provide more formal options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfavorable offer

Emphasizes the negative aspect of an offer, making it undesirable.

poor suggestion

Highlights the lack of quality in a proposed idea or action.

unwise plan

Focuses on the imprudence of a proposed course of action.

losing deal

Stresses the likelihood of failure or disadvantage in an agreement.

risky venture

Highlights the potential for negative outcomes or losses in a business undertaking.

detrimental scheme

Implies that the plan would cause harm or damage.

flawed idea

Emphasizes the inherent imperfections or shortcomings of a concept.

unattractive proposal

Focuses on the lack of appeal or desirability in a suggested plan.

ill-advised undertaking

Stresses the lack of wisdom in the action or project being considered.

unpromising prospect

Highlights the low likelihood of success or positive outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad proposition" to describe a plan, idea, or offer that is unfavorable or unwise. For example, "The committee rejected the "bad proposition" due to its high costs and low potential benefits".

What are some alternatives to saying "bad proposition"?

Alternatives to "bad proposition" include "poor suggestion", "unwise plan", or "unfavorable offer". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "unfavorable proposal" instead of "bad proposition"?

Yes, "unfavorable proposal" is generally considered more formal than "bad proposition". While "bad proposition" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, "unfavorable proposal" may be preferred in professional or academic settings.

What makes a proposition "bad"?

A proposition can be considered "bad" if it is likely to lead to negative outcomes, involves unacceptable risks, is too costly, or fails to align with established goals or values. A thorough analysis of the proposition's potential consequences is necessary to determine if it is truly a "bad proposition".