from bad to worse

Idioms

Unacceptable and getting more so, on a steady downward course. For example, Mary's grades have gone from bad to worse. [Mid-1500s] Also see if worst comes to worst.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It took everything in me to stay sitting calmly in my seat as the simulation careened from bad to worse.

From Literature

Elliot yanked me sideways before I could accidentally trip anyone, and we huddled next to what was left of the stone wall as things went from bad to worse.

From Literature

That poses options ranging from bad to worse as prices soar, but there are ways to mitigate the hit.

From Barron's

It’s gone from bad to worse for cryptocurrencies.

From Barron's

And it could have gone from bad to worse for the Blues in stoppage time had Enes Unal not wasted a glorious chance to secure Bournemouth's first win since October 26.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023