crossword clue very bad – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on a clue meaning "very bad," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions by letter count, along with explanations to help you understand the nuances and ace your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue very bad" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DIRE: Meaning extremely serious or urgent, often used to describe a bad situation.
EVIL: Morally very bad; wicked.
FOUL: Highly unpleasant or offensive.
5 Letters
AWFUL: Extremely bad or unpleasant; terrible.
NASTY: Highly unpleasant, especially to the senses, or morally repugnant.
7 Letters
ABYSMAL: Extremely bad; appalling.
8 Letters
TERRIBLE: Extremely bad or serious.
HORRIBLE: Causing or likely to cause horror; dreadful.
DREADFUL: Causing or involving great suffering, fear, or unhappiness; extremely bad or serious.
9 Letters
ATROCIOUS: Horrifyingly wicked or of a very poor quality.
APPALLING: Causing shock or dismay; horrific.
EGREGIOUS: Outstandingly bad; shocking.
More About "crossword clue very bad"
The clue "very bad" is a classic in crosswords, designed to test your vocabulary range for synonyms of negativity. It can refer to anything from a moral failing to poor quality, an unpleasant experience, or a severe condition. The trick is to consider the context of the puzzle grid and any intersecting words to narrow down the possibilities.
Often, setters will use "very bad" to lead you towards strong, evocative adjectives that express extreme degrees of undesirable qualities. Pay attention to whether the puzzle leans towards formal or informal language, as this can also guide your choice of a synonym for "very bad." For instance, 'atrocious' might fit a more formal puzzle, while 'awful' could appear in a lighter, everyday crossword.
Remember that crosswords love wordplay. While "very bad" seems straightforward, it could sometimes be part of a larger phrase or a pun, so always keep an open mind to more creative interpretations once the obvious synonyms don't fit.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Before thinking of words, check the number of boxes. This immediately filters out many possibilities and focuses your search for synonyms of the correct length.
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: The most powerful tool in crossword solving. Even one correct letter from an intersecting word can unlock a stubborn "very bad" answer.
- Consider Nuance: Does the clue imply morally bad (evil, wicked), terribly poor quality (atrocious, abysmal), or a severe situation (dire, grave)? Different synonyms fit different shades of "very bad."
- Think of Opposites: Sometimes, considering the antonyms of "very bad" (e.g., good, excellent) can help jog your memory for their negative counterparts.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'very bad' typically mean in crossword clues?
In crosswords, 'very bad' often points to synonyms like terrible, dreadful, awful, or words indicating extreme negativity or poor quality. It guides solvers to look for strong negative adjectives.
How can I find answers to 'very bad' clues quickly?
Consider the number of letters needed. Common lengths for 'very bad' synonyms include 4 (DIRE, EVIL), 5 (AWFUL, NASTY), 7 (ABYSMAL), 8 (TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE), and 9 (ATROCIOUS, APPALLING). Think about the context of other intersecting words.
Are there different nuances of 'very bad' in crosswords?
Yes, 'very bad' can refer to moral evil (wicked, villainous), poor quality (atrocious, abysmal), severe condition (dire, grave), or unpleasant experience (awful, dreadful). The specific nuance might be hinted at by other words in the clue or nearby puzzle entries.