badly infected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "badly infected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an infection is severe or has worsened significantly. Example: "The doctor examined the wound and confirmed that it was badly infected, requiring immediate treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

I don't think they realised collectively just how badly infected the whole system was".

The Guardian - Business

IF POLITICS can get into one's blood, then Bill Daley is badly infected.

The Economist

Albie was malnourished and sickly at the time, his mouth covered in sores, his leg and hoof badly infected.

The New York Times

His left arm had been broken and was so badly infected that doctors had considered amputating it.

The New York Times

They didn't change the dressing as often as they should have done, so it went green and got really badly infected.

The Guardian

By the time her symptoms were accurately diagnosed as an infection with mycobacteria that thrive in warm, moist places, her left lung was badly infected and her right lung was involved.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The legacy of French colonialism is vast and wide, and it persists in cultures — Haitian, Dominican, Louisianan — that are, by now, inextricable from the African roots that it sometimes infected badly, sometimes twisted, and sometimes, unexpectedly, helped to adapt and grow.

The New Yorker

Cat bites can get infected badly, and, depending on the cat, very easily.

WikiHow

If the piercing is hurting you badly, or looks infected, then it probably is, and you should go have it checked out before it gets worse.

WikiHow

Imagine you see a doctor and you shout at him, 'Can you help me?', because your foot is infected and hurting badly, and he's wearing a green medical gown and a stethoscope around his neck, and he says, 'I'm not a doctor,' and walks on.

The Guardian

CORRUPTION has infected Bolivia's institutions so badly for so long that chasing offenders seems to serve little purpose: their replacements will only bring more of the same, shrugs a disenchanted public.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a medical condition, use "badly infected" to convey the severity and potential complications, prompting immediate attention or treatment.

Common error

Avoid using "badly infected" metaphorically unless you want to create a sense of extreme negativity or decay. Opt for alternatives like "severely affected" or "deeply flawed" in non-medical scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "badly infected" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, where "badly" modifies the adjective "infected", intensifying its meaning. This emphasizes the severity or advanced stage of the infection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

24%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "badly infected" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe a severe or advanced infection. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, it serves to emphasize the seriousness and potential dangers associated with an infection. While generally neutral to professional in register, caution should be exercised when using it metaphorically to avoid overly dramatic tones. Alternative phrases such as "severely infected" or "heavily infected" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When writing, utilize "badly infected" to underscore the urgency of a medical situation but avoid overuse in non-medical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severely infected

Emphasizes the intensity of the infection.

heavily infected

Focuses on the degree or extent of the infection.

critically infected

Highlights the dangerous state of the infection.

gravely infected

Indicates a serious and concerning level of infection.

seriously infected

Suggests a substantial and problematic infection.

acutely infected

Implies a sudden and severe onset of infection.

dangerously infected

Stresses the potential risks and complications of the infection.

virulently infected

Describes an infection with a highly contagious or harmful pathogen.

highly contaminated

Focuses on the presence of contaminants causing infection.

deeply infected

Highlights the penetration or extent of the infection within the body or system.

FAQs

What does "badly infected" mean?

The phrase "badly infected" describes a condition where an infection is severe, advanced, and potentially dangerous, often requiring immediate medical intervention.

What are some synonyms for "badly infected"?

Alternatives include "severely infected", "heavily infected", or "critically infected". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "badly infected" metaphorically?

While possible, using "badly infected" metaphorically can sound overly dramatic. Consider more nuanced alternatives like "severely affected" or "deeply corrupted" depending on what you wish to convey.

How do I use "badly infected" in a sentence?

You can use "badly infected" to describe wounds, organs, or systems affected by a serious infection. For example: "His leg was "badly infected" and required immediate amputation."