categorically bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "categorically bad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong and unequivocal judgment about something being bad without any exceptions or qualifications. Example: "The movie was categorically bad, failing to deliver on any of its promises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

While subsidies are not categorically bad, they become a problem if they leave farmers with little choice but to focus on a few crops.

The New York Times

In evaluations of the categorically bad AIDS records of President Ronald Reagan or Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, the prism of sexuality is never applied.

The New York Times

That is not to say it's a bad phone — or anything is categorically bad in the gadget-o-scape — but expectations are dangerous stuff.

TechCrunch

Technology isn't a one-size-fits-all solution and shouldn't be treated as such, but it also shouldn't be deemed categorically bad, either.

TechCrunch

She and others fret that ecologists will handicap their ability to do empirical research if they go beyond current science by making value judgments--for example, by saying that nonnative plant species or global warming are categorically bad, or that economic growth should be curtailed to save species from extinction.

Science Magazine

It may have been shredded to pieces by the language and cultural barriers, it may have been excruciating against the sonic backdrop of tepid power metal buried under all manner of unfortunate instrumentation that has no business on a metal record, but Chameleon is such a categorically bad album that the miscarriage of mirth is actually missed.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Without knowing exactly why Apple decided to sole source with AT&T (and Apple isn't saying), it's hard to say categorically this was a bad decision.

Forbes

But did that categorically make him a bad person?

Huffington Post

From 1989 to 1991, Mr. Jenkins edited "Winners & Sinners," a publicly distributed newsletter, published from 1951 to 1991, that singled out the good, the bad and the categorically ugly in the pages of The Times.

The New York Times

A commenter on the ESPN site, Justin Wise, reacted this way: "Truthfully, you can't file this one under 'Oops, our bad.' This is categorically one of the worst blunders I've ever seen in media.

The New York Times

"I can categorically say I've never heard bad language down there," he said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "categorically bad" to express a firm and unwavering negative assessment. It's stronger than simply saying something is 'bad'.

Common error

Avoid using "categorically bad" in casual conversation. The phrase has a formal tone and may sound unnatural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "categorically bad" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to express a strong, unwavering negative assessment. Ludwig's examples show its usage across diverse contexts, reinforcing this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science & Research

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "categorically bad" is used to express a firm and unambiguous negative opinion. It is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI and commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the formal tone, using it carefully in informal situations. Consider alternatives like "absolutely awful" or "completely unacceptable" to adjust the strength and nuance of your statement. Ludwig's examples underscore that it serves a vital function in expressing strong negative evaluations across diverse topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Absolutely awful

Emphasizes the extreme degree of negativity; focuses on the feeling of disgust or revulsion.

Downright awful

Direct and emphatic way to say that something is very bad.

Thoroughly terrible

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the badness, affecting every aspect.

Completely unacceptable

Highlights the lack of permissibility and emphasizes the violation of standards.

Unreservedly negative

Implies that there are no redeeming qualities or positive aspects whatsoever.

Utterly deplorable

Stresses the shocking and morally reprehensible nature of something.

Unquestionably substandard

Emphasizes that something falls below an acceptable level or norm, without any doubt.

Decidedly poor

Indicates a clear and evident lack of quality or merit.

Resoundingly unsuccessful

Indicates failure on a grand scale, with no positive results.

Patently deficient

Highlights obvious and undeniable flaws or shortcomings.

FAQs

How to use "categorically bad" in a sentence?

Use "categorically bad" to express a strong and unequivocal opinion that something is bad, leaving no room for doubt. For example: "The new policy was "categorically bad", offering no benefits and only drawbacks".

What can I say instead of "categorically bad"?

You can use alternatives like "absolutely awful", "completely unacceptable", or "utterly deplorable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "categorically bad" a formal or informal expression?

"Categorically bad" leans towards a formal register. While understandable in most contexts, it's best suited for professional, academic, or news-related writing where a strong, clear statement is needed.

What's the difference between "bad" and "categorically bad"?

"Bad" is a general term for something undesirable. "Categorically bad" is a much stronger statement, indicating that something is unequivocally and definitively bad, without exception. It signifies a higher degree of negativity and conviction.