bad sport

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad sport" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who does not handle losing or disappointment well, often showing poor sportsmanship. Example: "After losing the game, he became a bad sport and refused to shake hands with the opposing team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

To be bitter is to be a bad sport.

The New Yorker

"It is bad sport for them to say.

The New York Times - Sports

Not wanting to be a bad sport after Obama's first official visit as president?

The New York Times

But everybody thought it was a bad sport, a lot of crashes and blood.

The New York Times - Sports

Rockstar sometimes punishes such players, introducing a "bad sport" scheme to highlight them to others.

The Guardian - Tech

Kuroiwa is its refrain, a growly bad sport given to impulsively breaking thumbs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Bad sports all round.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I Not a bad sports hack, Tolstoy.

The Guardian - Sport

They seem not to be bad sports.

The New Yorker

"This is a bad sports bar," one visitor remarked recently.

The New Yorker

But even in the bad sports metaphor, that final yard is the hardest.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "bad sport", be specific about the behaviors that lead to this conclusion. For example, instead of simply saying "He's a bad sport", explain that he refused to shake hands after the game or complained excessively about the refereeing.

Common error

Don't label someone a "bad sport" based on a single incident. Look for a pattern of behavior that demonstrates consistent poor sportsmanship, otherwise it will look like you are accusing unfairly the other person.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad sport" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It is used to characterize an individual's behavior as displaying poor sportsmanship, particularly in the context of games, competitions, or other situations involving winning and losing. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad sport" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone exhibiting poor sportsmanship, especially after a loss. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. The term is frequently found in news and media, as well as more informal contexts. While the term itself carries a negative connotation, the register is neutral. To use the phrase effectively, provide specific examples of the behaviors that justify the label. Alternatives like "sore loser" or "ungracious in defeat" can offer similar meanings with slight shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor sport

Direct synonym emphasizing the lack of graciousness in defeat.

sore loser

Focuses specifically on the negative behavior exhibited after losing.

poor loser

Similar to "sore loser" but puts the emphasis on how bad they are when losing.

bad loser

Similar to "sore loser" but more generic.

ungracious in defeat

More formal way of expressing a similar sentiment, highlighting a lack of grace.

unsportsmanlike

Highlights actions or behavior that violate the principles of fair play and respect.

lacking sportsmanship

Similar to "unsportsmanlike", but emphasizes the absence of good sportsmanship.

not a good sport

A slightly more informal and less direct way of saying someone is a "bad sport".

childish behavior

Focuses on the immaturity implied by the "bad sport's" reaction.

difficult to work with

Describes the effect of bad attitude of a person, but not necessarily in a sports context

FAQs

How to use "bad sport" in a sentence?

You can use "bad sport" to describe someone who doesn't handle losing well. For example, "He was a "bad sport" after losing the game, refusing to congratulate the winner."

What is the difference between "bad sport" and "poor sport"?

The terms "bad sport" and "poor sport" are largely interchangeable. Both describe someone who exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct, especially after a loss. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference.

What can I say instead of "bad sport"?

You can use alternatives like "sore loser", "ungracious in defeat", or "unsportsmanlike" depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to be called a "bad sport"?

Yes, being called a "bad sport" is generally considered negative. It implies a lack of grace, poor behavior, and difficulty accepting defeat. There are very few, if any, situations where this label would be seen as complimentary.