kind of bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of bad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a mild or moderate level of negativity or dissatisfaction about something. Example: "The movie was kind of bad, but it had some entertaining moments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That kind of bad.

The New York Times - Books

"That was kind of bad.

The New York Times

What kind of bad day?

The New Yorker

It sounds kind of bad".

The New York Times - Arts

Mountain Dew: kind of bad.

The New York Times

I feel kind of bad.

The New York Times - Sports

I felt kind of bad, though.

The New York Times

That's a powerful kind of bad".

The Guardian - Film

"It smells kind of bad in there," she added.

The New Yorker

I had a kind of bad feeling about it afterward.

The New Yorker

Most bad dates aren't that kind of bad.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "kind of bad" with specific details to provide context. For example, "The service was kind of bad, but the food was excellent" offers a balanced view.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "kind of bad", as it can make your writing sound vague or unenthusiastic. Instead, use more descriptive adjectives or adverbs to convey your specific feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of bad" functions as a qualifier, modifying the adjective "bad" to indicate a moderate degree of negativity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and common, softening the negative impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind of bad" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that expresses a moderate level of negativity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. While suitable for news, general conversation, and some business contexts, more formal settings might benefit from precise alternatives. When you're aiming for a nuanced negative sentiment without being overly critical, this phrase can be a useful choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not particularly good

Directly states that something is not good, offering a straightforward alternative.

somewhat negative

Indicates a slightly negative feeling or situation, similar to "kind of bad" but emphasizes the negativity.

slightly unfavorable

Highlights a mild disapproval or negative assessment, close in meaning to "kind of bad".

moderately poor

Implies something is not very good, suggesting a middle ground between acceptable and unacceptable.

somewhat unpleasant

Highlights the disagreeable or displeasing quality of something.

fairly substandard

Suggests that something is below the expected quality or standard, similar to saying it's "kind of bad".

rather disappointing

Emphasizes the feeling of letdown or dissatisfaction, indicating something didn't meet expectations.

a bit off-putting

Focuses on the aspect of causing mild aversion or dislike.

marginally deficient

Indicates a slight lack or inadequacy, pointing out that something is not quite up to par.

subpar to a degree

Expresses that something is below the average level to some extent.

FAQs

What does "kind of bad" mean?

The phrase "kind of bad" means something is not good or satisfactory, but not to the highest degree. It expresses a moderate level of negativity.

How can I use "kind of bad" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of bad" to describe a situation, object, or experience. For example: "The weather today is "kind of bad", so we should stay inside."

What are some alternatives to "kind of bad"?

Alternatives to "kind of bad" include "somewhat negative", "slightly unfavorable", or "moderately poor" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "kind of bad" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "kind of bad" is more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, opt for more precise and professional alternatives, such as "suboptimal" or "deficient".