in bad condition

USAGE SUMMARY

"in bad condition" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you need to describe something that is not functioning properly or is in a state of disrepair. For example: "The bridge was in bad condition and needed to be urgently repaired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Parchment soiled and in bad condition.

Yale University

Places so inexpensive were also in bad condition.

The New York Times

"He was in bad condition when he left hospital".

The Guardian

Waxed small statuette which appears to be in bad condition, and took it up.

Harvard University

The trail was in bad condition because repairs had been curtailed during the war.

The New York Times

We have a country that is in bad shape, it's in bad condition.

The Washington Post

He stayed there at home and came back in bad condition.

The Guardian - Sport

Missão Dulombi is helping reconstruct a school and a hospital that are in bad condition.

The New York Times

"To say that a building is in bad condition is easy.

The New York Times - Science

They also concluded that at least one of the rig's mud pumps was in "bad condition".

The New York Times

The police were there at the time, and Dombrowski said Young was in bad condition.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in bad condition", be specific about what aspects are affected. Instead of saying "The car is in bad condition", specify "The car's engine is in bad condition and needs repairs."

Common error

Avoid using "in bad condition" as a vague descriptor. Provide details to clarify the extent and nature of the problem. For example, instead of saying "The house was in bad condition", specify "The house had a leaky roof, damaged walls, and outdated plumbing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in bad condition" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the state or quality of something, indicating it is not in a satisfactory or functional state. Ludwig AI highlights this through numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in bad condition" is a common and versatile prepositional phrase used to describe something that is damaged, deteriorated, or not functioning properly. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's essential to be specific and provide detailed information about the aspects affected. Consider using synonyms like "in poor shape" or "in disrepair" for variety, but always ensure the phrasing accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in poor shape

Replaces "condition" with "shape", focusing on the overall state of something.

in disrepair

Emphasizes the state of needing repair or maintenance.

in a state of deterioration

Highlights the ongoing process of decline or decay.

not in good order

Suggests a lack of proper arrangement or functionality.

in a dilapidated state

Implies a ruinous or neglected condition, often used for buildings.

not up to par

Indicates that something fails to meet the required standard or expectation.

in a sorry state

Emphasizes the regrettable or pitiable nature of the condition.

badly damaged

Focuses on the extent of the damage.

not functioning properly

Highlights the impaired ability to perform its intended function.

unfit for purpose

Indicates that something is not suitable for its intended use.

FAQs

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

You can use "in bad condition" to describe the state of something that is damaged, broken, or not functioning well. For example, "The roads are "in bad condition" after the storm" or "The patient was "in bad condition" when he arrived at the hospital".

What is a synonym for "in bad condition"?

Some synonyms for "in bad condition" include "in poor shape", "in disrepair", or "dilapidated", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "of bad condition" instead of "in bad condition"?

While "of bad condition" might be understood, it's not grammatically standard. "In bad condition" is the more common and correct phrasing. You could also say "of poor quality" as an alternative.

What's the difference between "in bad condition" and "in serious condition" when describing a person?

"In bad condition" generally describes someone who is unwell or injured, but not necessarily life-threateningly so. "In serious condition" implies a more severe state, suggesting the person's life may be at risk and requires immediate medical attention.