hack job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hack job" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a poorly done or substandard piece of work, often in a derogatory manner. Example: "The repairs on my car were such a hack job that I had to take it to a professional mechanic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I can't stand this minor-league hack job".

The New Yorker

He warned that the consortium had prepared an "information attack" against Mr. Putin and his associates, and described the articles as "an undisguised paid-for hack job".

The New York Times

We are overwhelmed with the 168 responses to our "It's A Meme! Get Photoshop Warmed Up And Win A Bing Tshirt" post where we asked you, the readers, to come up with a better photoshop hack job than Microsoft was able to do on their own marketing material.

TechCrunch

A hack job, say.

The Guardian - Books

This wasn't a hack job.

The New York Times

(It's the day the group breaks away from their regular duties for a quick hack job).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The lawyers said that Mr. Mulcaire had a habit of noting the names of editors involved in hacking jobs.

The New York Times

Also, there have been problems with people hacking job-seeker information.

Forbes

Hack jobs often involve surprisingly raw, transparent misrepresentations of fact: in these days of search engines and online databases you don't need a staff of research assistants to catch 'em with their hands in the cookie jar.

The New York Times

The books, which were simple hack jobs written by Fiverr writers, were hundreds of pages long and, on the first page, featured a recommendation to flip to the last page to get a free giveaway.

TechCrunch

Working seven days a week, he fixes two to five of these hack jobs a day at his Harley Street and Newcastle clinics.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hack job" to describe a task completed quickly and carelessly, sacrificing quality. This phrase is often used in informal contexts to express dissatisfaction with the outcome of a project or piece of work.

Common error

Avoid using "hack job" in formal or professional writing. While the phrase is widely understood, it carries a negative and informal connotation. Opt for more neutral terms like "poorly executed" or "substandard work" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hack job" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a task or piece of work that has been completed poorly, quickly, or without much skill. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hack job" is a common noun phrase used to describe poorly executed work, often done quickly and without care. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While widely understood, it's best reserved for informal situations due to its negative connotation. Alternatives like "botched job" or "shoddy work" may be more appropriate in formal settings. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

botched job

Focuses on the idea of a task being ruined or spoiled through incompetence.

shoddy work

Emphasizes the poor quality of the materials or workmanship involved.

bungled attempt

Highlights the failure of the effort due to clumsiness or lack of skill.

poorly executed task

A more formal way of describing a job that was not done well.

inferior craftsmanship

Implies a lack of skill and attention to detail in the creation of something.

slipshod effort

Suggests carelessness and a lack of thoroughness in performing a task.

amateurish attempt

Highlights the lack of professional skill in the execution.

flawed workmanship

Focuses on the imperfections and defects in the work.

substandard performance

A general term for work that does not meet the required or expected level of quality.

half-baked job

Implies the task was rushed or incomplete.

FAQs

How to use "hack job" in a sentence?

You can use "hack job" to describe something that's been poorly or quickly done. For example, "The repairs on my car were a complete "hack job"" or "The new software update was such a "hack job" that it barely functions".

What can I say instead of "hack job"?

You can use alternatives like "botched job", "shoddy work", or "poorly executed task" depending on the context.

Is "hack job" offensive?

While not inherently offensive, "hack job" is a derogatory term. It implies incompetence or lack of care. Use it cautiously, especially when addressing someone directly or in professional contexts.

What's the origin of the term "hack job"?

The term "hack" originally referred to someone who produced mediocre or uninspired work, especially in writing or journalism. "Hack job" extends this meaning to describe any task performed poorly or without skill.