Used when describing a situation that has resulted in a loss or deficit. After investing in the new project, we're thirty thousand dollars to the bad.
Pro Tip 2/3
Comparative Decline
Shows a decrease when comparing against a previous state or expected result. This year, our harvest was to the bad by several tons compared to last.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not Literal
The phrase is often used figuratively, not necessarily referring to money or numbers. Since the new manager took over, the team's morale has gone to the bad.