in terrible condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in terrible condition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is in a very poor or damaged state. Example: "The old car was in terrible condition, with rust covering the body and the engine barely functioning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

And the infrastructure was in terrible condition".

The New York Times

are in terrible condition and dangerous.

The New York Times

"It was in terrible condition," Mr. Derow, 44, said.

The New York Times

"These fields are in terrible condition," Mr. Orbison said.

The New York Times

The fleet is in terrible condition, horribly uncomfortable and technologically a generation behind.

The New York Times

They focused on foreclosures and short sales, most of which were in terrible condition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

You work in such small groups, in terrible conditions.

The Guardian

But Fish has sustained himself in terrible conditions.

The New Yorker

Economic hardship led millions of Uzbeks to seek work in Russia, often in terrible conditions.

The Guardian

By 1924 there was pent-up demand and they were living in terrible conditions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He knows what it was like to be without such equipment, in terrible conditions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "in terrible condition", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being described. Be specific about the aspects that make it "terrible" to provide a clearer picture.

Common error

Avoid using "in terrible condition" as a generic description without providing specific details. Instead of just saying 'The house was in terrible condition', specify 'The house was in terrible condition, with a leaky roof and damaged foundation' to give a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in terrible condition" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its state. It indicates that something is severely damaged, deteriorated, or otherwise in a very poor state, as demonstrated by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in terrible condition" is a common and effective way to describe something that is severely damaged or deteriorated. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best used with specific details to enhance clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "in poor condition" or "badly damaged" depending on the specific context and the desired level of severity. Remember to avoid vagueness by providing specific details about what makes the condition "terrible".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in poor condition

This alternative is a more general and less severe way to describe something not in good shape.

in bad shape

This phrase uses more informal language to indicate something is damaged or not functioning well.

in a dilapidated state

This suggests a state of disrepair due to neglect or age.

severely damaged

Focuses on the damage inflicted, rather than the overall state.

badly deteriorated

Emphasizes the process of decline over time.

in a state of decay

Highlights the ongoing process of decomposition or decline.

falling apart

An idiomatic expression indicating severe disintegration.

in ruins

Suggests complete destruction or collapse.

beyond repair

Indicates that the damage is so extensive that restoration is impossible.

not fit for purpose

Emphasizes that the object or system can no longer fulfill its intended function.

FAQs

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

You can use "in terrible condition" to describe the state of something that is severely damaged or deteriorated. For example, "The roads in the rural area are "in terrible condition" due to lack of maintenance."

What are some alternatives to saying "in terrible condition"?

Some alternatives include "in poor condition", "badly damaged", "dilapidated", or "in ruins", depending on the specific context and severity.

Is it better to use "in terrible condition" or "in bad condition"?

"In terrible condition" implies a more severe state than "in bad condition". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of damage or disrepair. "In bad condition" is a milder way to express that something is not in good shape, while "in terrible condition" suggests significant degradation.

What does it mean when something is described as "in terrible condition"?

It means that the item or place being described is severely damaged, deteriorated, or generally in a very poor state of repair. This phrase suggests that the condition is significantly worse than simply being "in bad condition".