exceptionally bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptionally bad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significantly poor in quality or performance. Example: "The movie received reviews that labeled it as exceptionally bad, leaving audiences disappointed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For all of the talk of American exceptionalism, the U.S. is exceptionally bad in the treatment of its workers.

Huffington Post

Maybe they have exceptionally bad teeth?

The Guardian - Money

Instead, it is more a case of exceptionally bad luck.

The New York Times

And it has been exceptionally bad for business.

The Economist

It was a case of exceptionally bad access nonetheless.

Independent

The quality of its health care is exceptionally bad.

The New York Times - Books

However, there are some datasets which are exceptionally bad, e.g. Obsid 5190.

Harvard University

In 2000, 2004 and now again in 2007, it was exceptionally bad.

The Guardian

That was exceptionally bad timing: in 1917 Russia turned Communist and seized all private property.

The New York Times

Beware: this is a book full of excellent ideas for exceptionally bad toddler behaviour.

The Guardian - Books

Given that environment, it takes an exceptionally bad firing to break through and stand out as worthy of note.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceptionally bad", ensure the context clearly warrants such a strong descriptor. Overuse can dilute its impact. For a milder tone, consider "very bad" or "particularly bad".

Common error

Avoid pairing "exceptionally bad" with other intensifiers (e.g., "really exceptionally bad") as it can sound redundant and weaken your writing. Choose one strong descriptor instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptionally bad" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase. It serves to modify a noun, indicating that the noun it modifies is of particularly poor quality or performance. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

13%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceptionally bad" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjectival phrase that serves to express a notably negative judgment. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "exceptionally bad" is quite versatile, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse or redundancy, opting for milder alternatives like "remarkably poor" when appropriate. This ensures clarity and impact in your writing, enhancing the effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkably poor

Replaces "bad" with "poor" and "exceptionally" with "remarkably", slightly softening the intensity.

terribly awful

Uses a more informal and emphatic tone by combining "terribly" and "awful".

unusually terrible

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the badness, replacing "exceptionally" with "unusually".

extraordinarily substandard

Replaces "bad" with the more formal "substandard" and "exceptionally" with "extraordinarily", increasing the formality.

atrociously deficient

Employs stronger and more formal terms to denote a severe lack of quality.

singularly dreadful

Highlights the uniqueness of the badness, replacing "exceptionally" with "singularly" and "bad" with "dreadful".

patently inadequate

Focuses on the obvious insufficiency of something, using more formal language.

notoriously substandard

Indicates a widely known reputation for being bad, adding a layer of public awareness.

painfully inadequate

Emphasizes the disappointing or regrettable nature of the inadequacy.

egregiously flawed

Uses stronger and more judgmental language to indicate significant faults.

FAQs

What does "exceptionally bad" mean?

The phrase "exceptionally bad" means something is significantly worse than just "bad". It implies a high degree of inadequacy or poor quality.

How can I use "exceptionally bad" in a sentence?

You can use "exceptionally bad" to describe anything from weather to performance. For instance, "The movie's plot was "remarkably poor", making it an exceptionally bad experience."

Which is correct, "exceptionally bad" or "exceptionally good"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Exceptionally bad" describes something very poor, while "exceptionally good" describes something outstanding.

What can I say instead of "exceptionally bad"?

Alternatives include "remarkably poor", "terribly awful", or "unusually terrible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.