in rotten shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in rotten shape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is in very poor condition, whether physically or metaphorically. Example: "After years of neglect, the old house was in rotten shape, with crumbling walls and a leaky roof."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Cuba is clearly in rotten shape.

The New York Times - Arts

The UK public finances are certainly in rotten shape.

The Guardian - Opinion

The job market is in rotten shape, and business investment is hitting historic lows.

The New Yorker

Martini Gotjé, who monitors illegal fishing for the organization and was among the first to raise questions about the Al Hamed, told me, "I've been at sea for forty-one yeand, and I can tell you, as a captain, that the Al Hamed was nothing — in rotten shape.

The New Yorker

Yet India's economy looks rather less handsome in one regard: the finances of many of its companies and the public-sector banks that fund them are in rotten shape.An analysis last year by the IMF showed that India's corporate sector has a higher level of debt relative to equity than that of any other emerging market, bar Brazil.

The Economist

The deflationists see a world that is in rotten shape.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Caracas is in such rotten shape that based on the index it is is nearly two times worse than Damascus.

Forbes

Meanwhile, the mortgage market remains in historically rotten shape.

Huffington Post

The local brewer was poorly positioned in the market and in rotten financial shape.

The Economist

The female bee first locates a site for her nest in rotten wood and shapes the nest into a long tunnel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You cannot carve in rotten wood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "in rotten shape", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. It typically implies a severe state of disrepair, decay, or poor condition. Consider if a more precise term might be more suitable for your specific situation.

Common error

While "in rotten shape" is acceptable, it can sound informal. In business or academic writing, opt for more professional alternatives such as "in poor condition" or "dilapidated" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in rotten shape" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its poor or deteriorated condition. Ludwig AI examples show it applied to diverse subjects, from physical objects like buildings and boats to abstract concepts like the job market and financial situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in rotten shape" is a valid and usable expression to describe something in poor condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While not overly formal, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "in poor condition" or "dilapidated". The phrase serves to convey a negative assessment, indicating disrepair or decline. The authoritative sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The Economist, Forbes, The New Yorker and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in poor condition

Focuses on the diminished state of something, without necessarily implying decay.

in bad condition

A more general term for something not being in a good state.

in disrepair

Specifically refers to the state of needing repairs.

falling apart

Emphasizes the process of disintegration or decay.

in a state of decay

Highlights the gradual decomposition or decline of something.

on its last legs

Suggests that something is nearing the end of its useful life.

gone to seed

Indicates a decline from a previous state of excellence or cultivation.

in shambles

Describes a state of complete disorder and disarray.

tumbledown

Used to describe buildings or structures that are in a dilapidated state.

dilapidated

Suggests a state of neglect and disrepair, especially in buildings.

FAQs

What does "in rotten shape" mean?

The phrase "in rotten shape" means something is in very poor condition, whether physically damaged, decayed, or generally not functioning well. It implies a state of significant disrepair or decline.

What can I say instead of "in rotten shape"?

You can use alternatives like "in poor condition", "in bad shape", or "dilapidated" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "in rotten shape" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "in rotten shape" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, more professional alternatives like "in poor condition" or "in a state of disrepair" are more suitable.

How do you use "in rotten shape" in a sentence?

You can use "in rotten shape" to describe the condition of an object or a situation. For example: "The old car was in rotten shape after years of neglect" or "The company's finances were in rotten shape due to poor management."