What Is Another Way to Say “Bad Relationship”?

Looking for synonyms for bad relationship? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say bad relationship.

  • Strained relationship
  • Rocky relationship
  • Troubled relationship
  • Dysfunctional relationship
  • Unhealthy relationship
  • Toxic relationship
  • Hostile relationship
  • Fractured relationship
  • Tense relationship
  • Contentious relationship

Want to learn how to say bad relationship professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Strained Relationship

“Strained relationship” is used when the relationship is under pressure, often because of external factors or disagreements.

  • Example: The merger led to a strained relationship between the two management teams.

2. Rocky Relationship

“Rocky relationship” describes a relationship that is unstable and has had many problems.

  • Example: The rocky relationship between the company and its suppliers affected the production schedule.

3. Troubled Relationship

“Troubled relationship” refers to a relationship that is fraught with problems and difficulties.

  • Example: The CEO and the board of directors had a troubled relationship, leading to conflicts in decision-making.

4. Dysfunctional Relationship

“Dysfunctional relationship” is used when the relationship is not operating normally or healthily.

  • Example: The dysfunctional relationship between the team leaders affected the entire department’s morale.

5. Unhealthy Relationship

“Unhealthy relationship” describes a relationship that is detrimental to the well-being or functioning of the people involved.

  • Example: The unhealthy relationship between the joint venture partners threatened the project’s success.

6. Toxic Relationship

“Toxic relationship” is used for a relationship that is harmful and draining to those involved.

  • Example: The manager’s toxic relationship with his team led to high turnover rates.

7. Hostile Relationship

“Hostile relationship” refers to a relationship characterized by antagonism or opposition.

  • Example: The hostile relationship between the competing firms escalated to legal disputes.

8. Fractured Relationship

“Fractured relationship” is used when the relationship is broken or damaged, often severely.

  • Example: The leaked email caused a fractured relationship between the company’s executives and its employees.

9. Tense Relationship

“Tense relationship” describes a relationship filled with nervousness, stress, or anxiety.

  • Example: The tense relationship between the department heads was evident during meetings.

10. Contentious Relationship

“Contentious relationship” refers to a relationship involving a lot of arguments or disagreements.

  • Example: The contentious relationship between the union and management led to prolonged negotiations.

Linda Brown