20 Other Ways to Say “That Sucks” (With Examples)

The phrase “That sucks” is often used to express sympathy, disappointment, or frustration when something unfortunate happens. However, if you want to vary your language or avoid sounding too casual, there are many other ways to convey the same sentiment. Whether you’re talking to a friend about a bad situation or expressing disappointment at work, there are several alternative expressions that can effectively communicate your feelings.

List of All Synonyms

1. That’s unfortunate!
2. That’s a bummer!
3. What a drag!
4. That’s rough.
5. That’s a shame.
6. That’s too bad.
7. That blows.
8. What a disappointment.
9. That’s not ideal.
10. That’s disappointing.
11. That’s a letdown.
12. I can’t believe that happened.
13. That’s a tough break.
14. What a nightmare.
15. That’s the worst.
16. That’s a real downer.
17. That’s a hard pill to swallow.
18. I’m sorry to hear that.
19. That’s a setback.
20. What a blow.

1. “That’s unfortunate!”

Introduction:
A more formal and polite way to express sympathy or disappointment.
Definition: A phrase used to acknowledge an unfortunate situation.
Meaning: Conveys sympathy or regret about something bad happening.
Tone: Polite, formal.
Example: “Oh, that’s unfortunate. I hope things improve soon.”
Explanation: This is a respectful and neutral way of showing that you understand something unfortunate has occurred.

2. “That’s a bummer!”

Introduction:
A casual, friendly expression of disappointment.
Definition: An informal phrase to express that something is disappointing or sad.
Meaning: Indicates that you feel let down or disappointed by a situation.
Tone: Casual, friendly.
Example: “Oh man, that’s a bummer! I thought you’d get the job.”
Explanation: This is a common phrase used in everyday conversations to show empathy or disappointment.

3. “What a drag!”

Introduction:
A light-hearted, informal way to express disappointment.
Definition: An expression of frustration or dissatisfaction with a situation.
Meaning: Conveys a sense of annoyance or dismay.
Tone: Casual, informal.
Example: “I didn’t expect the concert to be canceled. What a drag!”
Explanation: This phrase is often used when you feel inconvenienced or let down by something.

4. “That’s rough.”

Introduction:
A straightforward way to express sympathy or understanding.
Definition: An informal way of acknowledging that something unpleasant or difficult has occurred.
Meaning: Used to empathize with someone going through a tough time.
Tone: Casual, empathetic.
Example: “That’s rough, I can’t believe you lost your wallet!”
Explanation: It’s a simple and empathetic way to acknowledge the unpleasantness of a situation.

5. “That’s a shame.”

Introduction:
A neutral expression to convey regret about something unfortunate.
Definition: A polite way to express disappointment or sympathy.
Meaning: Indicates that something could have been better or different.
Tone: Formal, polite.
Example: “It’s such a shame the event was canceled.”
Explanation: This phrase is often used when you want to express regret without being too informal.

6. “That’s too bad.”

Introduction:
A mild expression of disappointment or sympathy.
Definition: A way to convey that something unfortunate has happened.
Meaning: Similar to “that’s unfortunate,” but with a slightly more casual tone.
Tone: Casual, empathetic.
Example: “Oh no, that’s too bad you didn’t get the promotion.”
Explanation: This phrase is often used in casual conversations when reacting to bad news.

7. “That blows.”

Introduction:
A slangy and informal way to express disappointment or frustration.
Definition: A phrase used to convey that something is disappointing or frustrating.
Meaning: A more casual way of saying something is unfortunate or upsetting.
Tone: Informal, frustrated.
Example: “That blows! I really thought you’d win the contest.”
Explanation: This is a colloquial expression that works best in informal settings or with people you’re comfortable with.

8. “What a disappointment.”

Introduction:
A more direct and formal way to express dissatisfaction.
Definition: A way to acknowledge that something has not met expectations.
Meaning: Used to show that something is less than expected or desired.
Tone: Formal, direct.
Example: “What a disappointment that the meeting was canceled last minute.”
Explanation: This is a neutral, straightforward expression suitable for professional or serious contexts.

9. “That’s not ideal.”

Introduction:
A polite, measured way to express that something is not good.
Definition: A way to indicate that something is subpar or disappointing.
Meaning: A more understated way of expressing dissatisfaction.
Tone: Polite, diplomatic.
Example: “Well, that’s not ideal, but we can still make the best of it.”
Explanation: This phrase is perfect for situations where you want to acknowledge something is not great without sounding too harsh.

10. “That’s disappointing.”

Introduction:
A straightforward expression of disappointment.
Definition: A simple and clear way to acknowledge that something was unsatisfactory.
Meaning: Directly conveys that something did not meet expectations.
Tone: Neutral, sincere.
Example: “That’s disappointing; I was really looking forward to that movie.”
Explanation: This is a direct and professional way to show that you’re let down by a situation.

11. “That’s a letdown.”

Introduction:
An informal way to express feeling disappointed or disillusioned.
Definition: A phrase used when something has fallen short of expectations.
Meaning: Indicates that you feel let down by a situation or outcome.
Tone: Casual, disappointed.
Example: “The trip was supposed to be amazing, but it turned out to be a letdown.”
Explanation: This is often used when you feel disappointed after high expectations were not met.

12. “I can’t believe that happened.”

Introduction:
An expression of disbelief or shock.
Definition: Used to convey surprise and disappointment at an unexpected outcome.
Meaning: Conveys that you’re shocked or amazed by something unfortunate.
Tone: Informal, surprised.
Example: “I can’t believe that happened! How did everything go wrong so quickly?”
Explanation: This phrase can show that you’re shocked and disappointed at the same time.

13. “That’s a tough break.”

Introduction:
A phrase used to empathize with someone going through a rough time.
Definition: An expression that conveys sympathy for someone who is facing a challenge.
Meaning: A way to show that you understand someone is going through a difficult moment.
Tone: Casual, empathetic.
Example: “That’s a tough break, losing your job like that.”
Explanation: This is often used to acknowledge the misfortune someone is experiencing in a sympathetic manner.

14. “What a nightmare.”

Introduction:
A dramatic expression used when something goes terribly wrong.
Definition: A way to describe an extremely bad or frustrating situation.
Meaning: Used when a situation feels overwhelming or catastrophic.
Tone: Dramatic, informal.
Example: “What a nightmare—first, the flight was delayed, and then I missed my connection!”
Explanation: This phrase conveys the feeling that the situation is more intense and frustrating than usual.

15. “That’s the worst.”

Introduction:
A casual expression of extreme disappointment or frustration.
Definition: A way to emphasize that something is as bad as it can get.
Meaning: Used to describe something as being the most unfortunate or disappointing.
Tone: Casual, expressive.
Example: “Oh no, that’s the worst! I was really hoping for a better outcome.”
Explanation: This phrase is effective when you want to show that you think something is particularly bad.

16. “That’s a real downer.”

Introduction:
A casual way to express disappointment, often in a laid-back tone.
Definition: A phrase used to indicate that something is disappointing or brings down your mood.
Meaning: Used to acknowledge that something is disappointing or discouraging.
Tone: Casual, conversational.
Example: “I was looking forward to seeing you, but that’s a real downer.”
Explanation: This phrase is ideal for informal conversations, especially with friends or peers.

17. “That’s a hard pill to swallow.”

Introduction:
A more dramatic expression of disappointment or frustration.
Definition: A phrase used when you find it difficult to accept something bad or unpleasant.
Meaning: Indicates that a situation is difficult to come to terms with.
Tone: Dramatic, informal.
Example: “Losing the match after all that effort? That’s a hard pill to swallow.”
Explanation: This phrase conveys the idea of something being hard to accept, usually after working hard for it.

18. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

Introduction:
A polite and empathetic way to express sympathy.
Definition: A phrase used to show concern and sympathy for someone’s unfortunate situation.
Meaning: Used to convey understanding and regret for another person’s bad luck.
Tone: Formal, empathetic.
Example: “I’m sorry to hear that your car broke down on the way to work.”
Explanation: This phrase is a considerate and kind way to express sympathy for someone else’s misfortune.

19. “That’s a setback.”

Introduction:
A more formal expression indicating that something has gone wrong, causing progress to be delayed.
Definition: A phrase used to describe a temporary hindrance or obstacle.
Meaning: Used when an event or situation prevents forward progress.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
Example: “The project deadline was missed. That’s a setback we’ll have to address.”
Explanation: This phrase is ideal for professional settings where setbacks are part of the process.

20. “What a blow.”

Introduction:
A slightly informal phrase used to express disappointment or frustration.
Definition: A way to describe something that is particularly disappointing or upsetting.
Meaning: Used when something hits you hard emotionally or mentally.
Tone: Informal, expressive.
Example: “What a blow—my favorite band canceled their tour.”
Explanation: This is a colloquial expression commonly used when something unexpectedly negative happens.

Conclusion:

There are many different ways to express the sentiment of “that sucks” in more creative, polite, or varied ways. Whether you’re talking to a friend, colleague, or family member, using different phrases can help convey your emotions effectively while keeping the conversation fresh. These 20 alternatives provide a wide range of options that suit various contexts, from casual and informal to more formal situations.

FAQs

1. Can I use these phrases at work?
   Some of these phrases are suitable for a professional environment, like “That’s a setback” or “What a disappointment.” However, more casual phrases like “That blows” are best kept for informal settings.
2. Which phrase is best for comforting a friend?
   Phrases like “That’s a tough break” or “I’m sorry to hear that” are great for offering sympathy and showing you care.
3. Are there any phrases that sound too harsh?
   Phrases like “What a nightmare” or “That blows” can sound more dramatic and should be used when the situation warrants such an expression.
4. Can I use these phrases in written communication?
   Yes, many of these phrases can be used in emails or text messages, though it’s best to match the tone of the situation and the person you’re addressing.
5. What’s a good alternative to “That sucks” in a formal setting?
   Phrases like “That’s unfortunate” or “That’s a shame” are ideal for formal settings where a polite, measured response is needed.