has a bad record

USAGE SUMMARY

'has a bad record' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to inform someone that someone or something has had bad results in the past. For example: "I'm not sure if I should hire John because he has a bad record with his previous employers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Turkey, which helped our journalists so effectively, has a bad record when it comes to reporters at home.

The New York Times

But the Devils thought this was a game they probably could have won, and not just because Ottawa has a bad record.

The New York Times - Sports

Americans for Prosperity officials say they are opposing Northam because they believe he has a bad record on taxes and reducing regulations.

The Washington Post

"Yemen has a bad record, and it's still a place where the government is unable or unwilling to take certain steps against certain terrorist groups.

The New York Times

Gov. George Ryan of Illinois, whose state has a bad record of sentencing innocent people to death, declared a moratorium on executions a few years back.

The New York Times

Even the energy tsar is cautious: "We've just landed at Normandy, but it's a long way to Berlin and we may yet have to fight a Battle of the Bulge".The state has a bad record to live down.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

These have a bad record: just look at the Common Agricultural Policy.

The Telegraph

PROGNOSTICATORS have a bad record when it comes to new technologies.

The Economist

But he did seem to have a bad record with his students.

The Economist

Rich countries have a bad record on meeting their climate pledges to the most vulnerable countries.

The Guardian

Airlines, though, have a bad record of trying to survive bankruptcy filings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has a bad record", be specific about the area in which the record is poor to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "has a bad record on safety" or "has a bad record in customer service."

Common error

Avoid using "has a bad record" without providing supporting evidence or context. Simply stating that someone or something "has a bad record" can sound accusatory and lack credibility. Always back up the claim with specific examples or data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a bad record" functions as a descriptor, attributing a history of negative performance or behavior to a subject. Ludwig shows that it's frequently used to express criticism or concern about past actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has a bad record" is a common phrase used to describe a history of negative performance or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific and provide evidence to support your claim. Alternatives like "has a poor track record" or "is known for poor performance" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a poor track record

Uses an alternative to "record" to express a similar idea.

has a history of failure

Focuses on repeated failures rather than a general negative history.

has an unfavorable history

Replaces "bad" with "unfavorable", indicating a less positive history.

is known for poor performance

Emphasizes current reputation based on past performance.

has consistently underperformed

Emphasizes continuous failure to meet expectations.

has a checkered past

Suggests a past marked by disreputable or questionable actions.

is associated with setbacks

Highlights association with multiple negative events.

has a tarnished reputation

Indicates a reputation that has been damaged or diminished.

carries a negative legacy

Focuses on the lasting impact of past actions or failures.

is not known for success

Downplays the possibility of any successes.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "has a bad record"?

It means that someone or something has a history of negative performance, failures, or misdeeds in a particular area. This could refer to a person's professional history, a company's financial performance, or any other area where performance can be tracked.

What are some alternatives to saying "has a bad record"?

You can use alternatives like "has a poor track record", "is known for poor performance", or "has a history of failure" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to say someone "has a bad record" in a formal setting?

It can be, but it's important to be professional and objective. Provide specific evidence to support your claim and avoid emotional language. Consider using a more formal alternative if appropriate.

How can I use "has a bad record" in a sentence?

You can say, "The company "has a bad record" of environmental violations." or "The politician "has a bad record" on fiscal responsibility."