bad off

phrase

US
1
: having little money
They're pretty bad off now that he's lost his job.
2
: in a bad or difficult situation or condition
When I heard how bad off they were, I asked if I could do anything to help.
With respect to unemployment this state isn't too bad off compared to other parts of the country.

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Cite this Entry

“Bad off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bad%20off. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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