does not look good

USAGE SUMMARY

'does not look good' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when trying to express that something looks bad or unsatisfactory. For example, "The paint job on the wall does not look good".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

2012 does not look good.

The Guardian - Music

But it does not look good today.

The New York Times - Sports

This much is certain, though: it does not look good.

Independent

At first glance, it does not look good.

The Economist

The public record does not look good for Ms. Waters.

The New York Times

From where I'm sitting, this does not look good.

The Guardian

Sometimes it appears in the work but sometimes it just does not look good enough graphically".

Independent

Is the Philippines really so hopeless?It certainly does not look good.

The Economist

To put this in basic terms, the balance sheet does not look good.

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, Shields is being seen to on the sidelines and it does not look good.

The Guardian - Sport

"This does NOT look good," the TV commentator Darren Cahill said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not look good", ensure the context is clear. Specify what "does not look good" and why. For example, "The financial report does not look good, indicating a significant loss."

Common error

While "does not look good" is acceptable, it can sound informal in certain professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "appears unfavorable" or "is not encouraging" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not look good" functions as a subjective assessment or evaluation. It suggests that something is perceived negatively, based on available information or appearances. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not look good" is a commonly used expression to convey a negative assessment or concern about a particular situation. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is generally considered neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain professional or academic settings. To use the phrase effectively, ensure that the context is clear and that you provide specific details to support your assessment. Remember to consider using synonyms like "doesn't seem promising" or "appears unfavorable" when a more formal tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't seem promising

Replaces "look good" with "seem promising", focusing on the future outlook.

appears unfavorable

Uses a more formal tone with "appears" and "unfavorable", indicating a negative impression.

it's not encouraging

Expresses a lack of optimism, replacing the visual aspect with a general feeling.

the outlook is bleak

Focuses on the future and uses stronger language ("bleak") to describe the situation.

things seem dire

Emphasizes the seriousness of the situation with the word "dire".

the situation is worrying

Highlights the cause for concern rather than the appearance.

it bodes ill

Uses a more archaic expression to suggest a bad omen.

it raises concerns

Shifts the focus to the concerns caused by the situation.

the prospects are grim

Emphasizes the lack of positive possibilities with the adjective "grim".

it portends trouble

Suggests that the current situation indicates future problems.

FAQs

What does "does not look good" mean?

The phrase "does not look good" means that something appears to be unfavorable, problematic, or likely to have negative consequences. It expresses a sense of concern or disapproval based on current observations.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "does not look good"?

It's appropriate to use "does not look good" in a variety of situations, from casual conversations to news reports. However, consider the formality of your context. In formal settings, alternatives like "appears unfavorable" or "doesn't seem promising" might be more suitable.

Are there any synonyms for "does not look good"?

Yes, there are many synonyms for "does not look good", including "it's not encouraging", "the outlook is bleak", and "things seem dire". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I improve the impact of the phrase "does not look good" in my writing?

To enhance the impact of "does not look good", provide specific details about what exactly doesn't look good and why. For example, instead of saying "The project's progress does not look good", try "The project's progress does not look good, as we are significantly behind schedule and over budget".