come out bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come out bad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is unfavorable or disappointing. Example: "The cake I baked for the party came out bad, and everyone could tell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Good people are going to come out bad.

The Guardian

"I have to assume it's going to come out bad," he said.

The New Yorker

"The university will come out bad," he continued, "and Eric's reputation will be destroyed".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"The more it came out bad, the more nervous I got".

The New York Times - Arts

"He came out bad in the head, mumbling nonsense much of the time, refusing suggestions we made that he return home to Pakistan.

Independent

This story has only one true villain, but many others come out looking bad.

The Economist

"A lot of women come out of bad relationships or they're in the process of self-discovery".

The New York Times

Even making allowances for sentimentality, one has to admit that good can come out of bad experiences.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Obviously, it is a benevolent presence," Mr. Fuller said, "because good things come out of bad situations.

The New York Times

"Without getting too philosophical about it, like anything in life, good things come out of bad," he says.

The Guardian - Sport

Of all the unexpected things to have come out of Bad Faith, Carmen Callil's book about Vichy France, the most unexpected perhaps has been the flurry of boycotts.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "come out bad", ensure the context clearly indicates what is producing the negative outcome. Be specific about the subject and the process to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "come out bad" as a vague descriptor. Instead of saying "The situation came out bad", specify what aspects were negative, such as "The negotiations came out bad, resulting in significant financial losses."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come out bad" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the state or condition of a subject after a process or event. It indicates an undesirable or negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come out bad" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a negative or undesirable outcome. Ludwig AI validates its usability in English. While not highly formal, it's suitable for neutral to informal contexts such as news articles and general discussions. To ensure clarity, be specific about what aspect is negative. For more formal situations, alternatives like "prove unfavorable" or "result in failure" are recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn out poorly

Focuses on the result being unsatisfactory or of low quality.

end in failure

Emphasizes the lack of success or achievement.

result in a disaster

Highlights a severely negative or catastrophic outcome.

go awry

Indicates a deviation from the intended course, leading to a bad outcome.

prove unfavorable

Stresses the lack of benefit or advantage.

be detrimental

Emphasizes the harmful or damaging nature of the outcome.

have negative consequences

Highlights the adverse effects or repercussions.

be unsuccessful

Focuses on the lack of desired results or achievements.

fall short of expectations

Indicates a failure to meet anticipated standards or goals.

bomb

Informal expression signifying a complete and utter failure.

FAQs

How can I use "come out bad" in a sentence?

You can use "come out bad" to describe an outcome that is unfavorable or disappointing. For example, "If we don't prepare properly, the presentation will "come out bad"".

What's a more formal alternative to "come out bad"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "prove unfavorable", "result in failure", or "have negative consequences" depending on the specific context.

Is "come out bad" grammatically correct?

Yes, "come out bad" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English, though it is considered less formal. It is best suited for informal or neutral contexts.

What does it mean when something "comes out bad"?

When something "comes out bad", it means the result or outcome is undesirable, disappointing, or of poor quality. This can apply to various situations, such as baking, negotiations, or personal interactions.