bad vibes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad vibes" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a negative or uncomfortable atmosphere or feeling in a situation. Example: "I left the party early because there were just too many bad vibes." Alternative expressions include "negative energy," "unpleasant atmosphere," and "bad energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Bad Santa" takes all the Christmas season's bad vibes and converts them into an achingly funny and corrupt dark comedy.

The New York Times

I've never felt any bad vibes, though.

Independent

Bad taste, bad vibes — get it gone.

The New York Times - Books

"Maybe you're sending bad vibes," he joked.

The New York Times

It gave people immediate bad vibes".

The New York Times - Arts

East 88th Street had bad vibes.

The New York Times

The bad vibes were already there".

The Guardian

"I never got any bad vibes from him.

The New Yorker

It has bad sex, bad language, bad vibes.

The New York Times

She is shown around a place with spectacularly bad vibes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Those are some bad vibes in there," Pink Uma said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bad vibes" to describe an atmosphere or feeling that is intuitively negative or unpleasant. It is suitable for informal contexts and can convey a sense of unease or discomfort without being overly specific.

Common error

Avoid using "bad vibes" in formal or professional writing. While it's a common expression, it can sound unprofessional. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "negative atmosphere" or "unfavorable impression".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad vibes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes an intangible feeling of negativity or unease. Ludwig AI indicates this is a valid and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad vibes" is a common and acceptable phrase for describing a negative or uncomfortable feeling. While grammatically sound, it is best suited for informal contexts and should be replaced with more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used, and its meaning is generally understood. While mostly encountered in the news, it is still classified as informal. When a more precise description is needed, consider using phrases like "negative energy" or "unpleasant atmosphere". Ludwig examples show that the phrase is used to communicate about places and situations where there is a feeling of negativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative energy

Focuses on the energetic aspect of negativity, suggesting an intangible but palpable unpleasantness.

unpleasant atmosphere

Highlights the surrounding environment rather than a personal feeling, indicating a generally disagreeable setting.

ill feelings

Emphasizes the emotional aspect, suggesting resentment or animosity between individuals.

negative atmosphere

Similar to "unpleasant atmosphere" but broader, encompassing any negative qualities of a place or situation.

bad feeling

A more general expression of unease or foreboding, not necessarily tied to a specific environment.

ominous feeling

Implies a sense of impending doom or misfortune, stronger than a general "bad vibe".

unfavorable impression

Focuses on a judgment or perception of something being undesirable or problematic.

foreboding sensation

Similar to "ominous feeling" but emphasizes the physical or intuitive sense of something negative.

sense of unease

Highlights a feeling of discomfort or anxiety, often without a clear cause.

unsettling feeling

Indicates a disturbance of one's peace of mind, suggesting something is not quite right.

FAQs

What does "bad vibes" mean?

"Bad vibes" describes a negative or uncomfortable atmosphere or feeling that someone perceives in a situation or from a person. It suggests something is wrong or unpleasant without needing specific details.

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

You can say, "I left the room because I was getting "bad vibes" from the conversation" or "The abandoned house gave off "bad vibes"."

What can I say instead of "bad vibes"?

You can use alternatives like "negative energy", "unpleasant atmosphere", or "ill feelings" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "bad vibes" in professional writing?

Generally, no. "Bad vibes" is considered informal. In professional contexts, use more formal and specific language to describe the negative atmosphere or feeling you're perceiving. Consider alternatives like "negative atmosphere" or "unfavorable impression".