How to Pronounce Bad

To pronounce "bad", say BAD — one syllable, IPA /bæːd/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

bad

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/bæːd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “bad”

"bad" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with sad and cad, if that helps it stick.

What does bad mean?

noun

  1. Error, mistake.
  2. An item (or kind of item) of merchandise with negative value; an unwanted good.

adjective

  1. Unfavorable; negative; not good.

    “Abducting children is bad for mothers.”

  2. Not suitable or fitting.

    “Do you think it is a bad idea to confront him directly?”

adverb

  1. Badly.

    “I didn't do too bad in the last exam.”

Synonyms

badassevilviciousvilewickedfalsespuriousunhealthful

Antonyms

adequateadvantageousbeneficialbenevolentchoicecompetent

Hear “bad” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with bad

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

sadcadcomrademadcladironcladgladdyadpadaddgadlad

Related words

unfavorableunfitunsatisfactoryunsoundunsuitableincompetentdefectiveno-good

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "bad"?▾

"Bad" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "bad"?▾

The IPA transcription of "bad" is /bæːd/.

What does "bad" mean?▾

Bad: Error, mistake.

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