badly disguised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "badly disguised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not well hidden or concealed, often implying that the disguise is obvious or ineffective. Example: "The villain's intentions were badly disguised, making it easy for the hero to see through the facade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Save for the pious tone there is little practical difference between this intervention and Trump's rants about "Obama judges". Which in turn suggests that in the case of Trump v. Roberts, our president is mostly just exposing a degradation that already exists, acknowledging a truth of our constitutional order that's badly disguised by official-D.C. politesse.

The New York Times

Richardson coming out to defend Clinton at one point was a gallant gesture, even if it was badly disguised as a pitch to be vice president.

Huffington Post

Never mind a popularity contest, student elections are a badly disguised hate-a-thon, a campaign to prove who can be disliked for the next academic year to the best of their ability.

Independent

But after a few funny looks and badly disguised coughs we realise we are taking up the prime viewing seats in the VIP tent – seats reserved for the head of the army, the head of the Kenyan Olympic Committee … people like that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Unlike the current Bravada, which was a badly disguised version of the Chevy, the new one is supposed to have unique styling.

Forbes

Even enterprises that at best are vanity projects and at worst badly disguised and overly long attack ads are taken seriously by audiences — and box-office observers.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The focal points of Goblet's story are dissimulators: her boyfriend, Guy Marc, who badly disguises his feelings for his ex, and her father, who is in denial about his alcoholism and neglect.

Vice

The implication was barely disguised.

Independent

"The Care Bears Movie," a badly animated toy commercial disguised as a diversion for children, earned more than $24 million last year--not counting the added product sales.

Los Angeles Times

That these traits are often disguised by an apparent strutting braggadocio and naked ambition plays badly to an audience raised on self-deprecation and manly modesty, even if that very assurance and ambition are integral to almost all successful sportsmen.

BBC

An unfair electoral system and good results in Scotland gave us a lot of MPs, but can't disguise how badly we lost.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "badly disguised", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being disguised and why the disguise is ineffective. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "badly disguised" when something is not disguised at all, but simply obvious. The phrase implies an attempt at concealment, however poor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "badly disguised" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing the manner in which something is disguised. It indicates that the attempt at disguise is of poor quality and easily detectable. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "badly disguised" is used to describe something that is poorly concealed or hidden. Ludwig confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media. Alternatives like "poorly concealed" or "thinly veiled" can be used for similar effect. When using "badly disguised", ensure the context clarifies what is being disguised and the reason for its ineffectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly concealed

Emphasizes the lack of effective concealment.

poorly hidden

Highlights the inadequate attempt to hide something.

clumsily concealed

Suggests the concealment was done in an awkward or inept manner.

thinly veiled

Indicates the disguise is transparent and easily seen through.

scarcely concealed

Implies minimal effort was made to hide something.

transparently disguised

Highlights the obviousness of the disguise.

poorly masked

Focuses on the ineffectiveness of the masking or covering up.

ineptly concealed

Stresses the incompetence in the act of hiding.

weakly disguised

Emphasizes the feebleness of the attempt to disguise.

inadequately hidden

Highlights the insufficient nature of the hiding.

FAQs

What does "badly disguised" mean?

The phrase "badly disguised" describes something that is poorly concealed or hidden, implying that the disguise is easily seen through or ineffective.

How can I use "badly disguised" in a sentence?

You might say, "His attempt to hide his disappointment was "badly disguised", as his frown was evident to everyone."

What are some alternatives to "badly disguised"?

Alternatives include "poorly concealed", "thinly veiled", or "scarcely concealed", each emphasizing the ineffectiveness of the disguise in slightly different ways.

Is it correct to say 'poorly disguised' instead of "badly disguised"?

Yes, "poorly disguised" is a correct and often interchangeable alternative to "badly disguised". Both phrases convey a similar meaning of something being ineffectively hidden.