in a bad way
1. Suffering physically or emotionally. I've been in a really bad way since the car accident. It's been nearly a month and I still can't get out of bed. I think Ashley really needs our help. She has been in a bad way ever since her mother died. Frank's illness has gotten much worse—he's really in a bad way right now.
2. Functioning poorly or improperly. I tried smacking the TV, but it's in a bad way—the picture is still scrambled. I knew the car was in a bad way, but I didn't think it would just break down on my like that! A: "I thought you were making a smoothie." B: "I was going to, but the blender's in a bad way."
3. Struggling financially. The company used to be one of the biggest players in the industry, but it's been in a really bad way in recent years. I know their family has been in a bad way ever since Frank lost his job. Any chance I can repay you later? I've just been in a bad way since I got hit with that huge medical bill.
4. In a negative or critical manner or sense. Your paintings are all really familiar—not in a bad way, of course! I just mean that they remind me of experiences I've had. Unfortunately, the sequel's strange plot definitely differentiates it from its predecessor in a bad way. A: "I know Jenna's fair-skinned, but she's looking pale in a bad way today." B: "Yeah, I don't think she's feeling well."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in a bad way
In trouble; also, deteriorating. For example, If he can't get that bank loan he'll be in a bad way, or The business is in a bad way, with profits declining every month. [Early 1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.