Meaning: When someone or something is not in good condition, often due to neglect, wear, or damage. It can refer to physical health, emotional well-being, or the state of an object.
Origin: The idiom 'in bad shape' dates back to the early 20th century. It likely originated from the physical fitness context, where 'shape' referred to one's physical condition. Over time, the expression evolved to describe general states of deterioration or poor condition, whether physical, emotional, or material.
OpenAI's DALL-E generated image
Examples
After years of neglect, the old mansion was in bad shape and required extensive renovations.
Following his illness, Jack was in bad shape and needed several weeks to recover fully.
The company's finances were in bad shape after a series of poor business decisions.
The car was in bad shape after the accident, with dents and scratches all over.
Due to the lack of regular maintenance, the garden was in bad shape, overgrown with weeds and dead plants.
The team's morale was in bad shape after losing five consecutive games.
Sarah's relationship with her best friend was in bad shape after their recent argument.
The ancient manuscript was in bad shape, with pages torn and faded text.
His mental health was in bad shape due to the constant stress at work.
The city's infrastructure was in bad shape, with potholes and broken streetlights everywhere.