bad relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an unsatisfactory relationship between two people, for example: "The couple had a bad relationship and decided to split."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's like a bad relationship.

Independent

It's a bad relationship.

The Guardian - Music

And she had had a bad relationship with her father.

University of California, Berkeley

"I'm very nervous about havin' another bad relationship".

The New York Times

"There was a bad relationship with the family.

The New York Times

She and her oldest son had a particularly bad relationship.

The Guardian - Books

"We just have a bad relationship with this administration".

The New York Times

Still, President Putin has no interest in a bad relationship.

The New York Times

And I've never really had a bad relationship.

The Guardian - Books

Maybe, like a bad relationship, this just isn't working.

The Guardian

That may mean that a bad relationship is still bad after cancer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "bad relationship", be specific about the problematic aspects to provide clarity and context. For instance, instead of just saying "They had a bad relationship", you could say "They had a bad relationship characterized by constant arguments and lack of trust".

Common error

Avoid using "bad relationship" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, identify specific issues such as lack of communication, disrespect, or abuse to accurately describe the relationship's problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad relationship" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "bad" modifies the noun "relationship". It generally describes a connection between entities that is considered unsatisfactory or harmful. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad relationship" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an unsatisfactory or harmful connection, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is used across various contexts, from personal experiences to political analyses. While versatile, it's important to be specific about the issues characterizing the relationship to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "toxic relationship" or "strained relationship" can provide more nuance. When writing, remember that specifying the problematic aspects adds clarity, and recognizing the various signs can help you avoid or escape such relationships. Overall, understanding and using this phrase effectively contributes to clear communication in both personal and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unhealthy relationship

This alternative emphasizes the detrimental effects on well-being.

toxic relationship

Implies a relationship that is actively harmful and damaging.

dysfunctional relationship

Focuses on the impaired or abnormal functioning within the relationship.

strained relationship

Suggests tension and difficulty in maintaining a positive connection.

difficult relationship

A more general term indicating challenges and struggles.

rocky relationship

Describes a relationship with instability and frequent disagreements.

troubled relationship

Indicates that the relationship is facing significant problems.

deteriorating relationship

Highlights the progressive decline in the quality of the relationship.

failed relationship

Refers to a relationship that has ended unsuccessfully.

abusive relationship

Implies a relationship characterized by abuse, whether physical, emotional, or psychological.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad relationship" to describe any relationship characterized by negative interactions. For example, "They realized they were in a "toxic relationship" and decided to seek help."

What are some alternatives to saying "bad relationship"?

Alternatives include "unhealthy relationship", "strained relationship", or "dysfunctional relationship", depending on the specific issues within the relationship.

What makes a relationship qualify as a "bad relationship"?

A "bad relationship" is typically characterized by frequent conflict, lack of trust, poor communication, disrespect, or abuse. These factors contribute to an "unhealthy relationship" environment.

Is it better to end a "bad relationship" or try to fix it?

The decision depends on the specific circumstances. If the issues are addressable and both parties are committed to change, it may be possible to fix the relationship. However, if the relationship is "toxic relationship" or abusive, ending it may be the healthier option.