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

In English conversation, when someone shares bad news, the reflex response is often, “That sucks.” While common, this phrase is not only generic and potentially impolite, but it utterly fails to convey genuine empathy or offer meaningful support.

If you find yourself stuck using this phrase, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to connect effectively. This article is your guide to unlocking other ways to say that sucks, transforming your reactions from dull and dismissive to truly empathetic or supportive. Get ready to expand your emotional vocabulary!

What to Say Instead of “That Sucks”?

1. That’s a total bummer!
2. What a rotten deal!
3. Ugh, that’s the worst!
4. Man, that’s a kick in the pants!
5. Oof, what a drag!
6. That’s a real gut-punch!
7. Yikes, that’s rough!
8. Oh no, what a letdown!
9. That’s a major downer!
10. Crap, that’s lousy!
11. Well, that’s a buzzkill!
12. Dang, what a mess!
13. That’s a big ol’ nope!
14. Ouch, that’s brutal!
15. Geez, what a flop!

1. That’s a total bummer!

This casual, empathetic phrase expresses disappointment or sympathy for an unfortunate situation, serving as a relatable alternative to that sucks. It’s perfect for texts or casual conversations, with a laid-back tone that softens the blow of bad news. That’s a total bummer! conveys shared frustration, making it supportive and light. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more conversational and slightly less blunt, ideal for friends or informal settings.

Example 1: Suppose your friend texts you that they missed a concert due to traffic. You could reply: “That’s a total bummer!” Picture them reading your message at home, nodding sadly while scrolling through concert photos.

Example 2: Imagine your coworker shares that they didn’t get a promotion. You say in the break room: “That’s a total bummer!” Visualize them sighing, appreciating your empathy over coffee. Suppose you’re commenting on a friend’s Instagram post about a canceled trip. You write: “That’s a total bummer!” Picture them liking your comment, feeling understood.

2. What a rotten deal!

This vivid, old-school phrase highlights an unfair or disappointing situation, acting as a colorful substitute for that sucks. It’s great for texts or in-person chats, with a slightly dramatic tone that adds personality to your sympathy. What a rotten deal! paints the situation as spoiled or unjust, making it expressive and relatable. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more descriptive and nostalgic, perfect for adding flair to casual commiseration.

Example 1: Suppose your sibling says their car broke down before a road trip. You could text: “What a rotten deal!” Picture them reading it in their garage, chuckling despite their frustration.

Example 2: Imagine your friend tells you they lost a game due to a bad call. You say: “What a rotten deal!” Visualize them nodding, venting on the bleachers after the match. Suppose your cousin shares that they missed a sale on their favorite gadget. You text: “What a rotten deal!” Picture them shaking their head at home, browsing for new deals.

3. Ugh, that’s the worst!

This expressive, dramatic phrase amplifies the awfulness of a situation, offering a heartfelt alternative to that sucks. It’s ideal for texts or social media, with a sympathetic tone that mirrors frustration. Ugh, that’s the worst! emphasizes the peak of disappointment, making it emotional and relatable. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more intense and conversational, great for close friends or dramatic moments.

Example 1: Suppose your crush texts that they spilled coffee on their laptop. You could reply: “Ugh, that’s the worst!” Picture them laughing at their desk, wiping down the keyboard.

Example 2: Imagine you’re commenting on a friend’s Twitter post about a rained-out picnic. You write: “Ugh, that’s the worst!” Visualize them retweeting, adding a raincloud emoji. Suppose your roommate shares that they failed a quiz. You say: “Ugh, that’s the worst!” Picture them groaning on the couch, appreciating your support.

4. Man, that’s a kick in the pants!

This humorous, old-fashioned phrase conveys a surprising or painful setback, serving as a quirky substitute for that sucks. It’s perfect for texts or casual chats, with a playful tone that lightens the mood. Man, that’s a kick in the pants! suggests an unexpected jolt, making it vivid and fun. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more colorful and less direct, ideal for cheering up friends with humor.

Example 1: Suppose your friend says they got a parking ticket. You could text: “Man, that’s a kick in the pants!” Picture them smirking at their phone, parked by the curb.

Example 2: Imagine your cousin shares that they missed a flight. You say: “Man, that’s a kick in the pants!” Visualize them laughing in the airport, shaking their head. Suppose your neighbor tells you their BBQ was rained out. You text: “Man, that’s a kick in the pants!” Picture them chuckling on their porch, rescheduling the grill session.

5. Oof, what a drag!

This sympathetic, retro phrase expresses frustration over a tedious or disappointing situation, acting as a laid-back alternative to that sucks. It’s great for texts or conversations, with a casual tone that feels like a sigh of solidarity. Oof, what a drag! implies something is slowing you down, making it relatable and light. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more expressive and nostalgic, perfect for informal commiseration.

Example 1: Suppose your crush texts that their meeting got rescheduled again. You could reply: “Oof, what a drag!” Picture them reading it at work, nodding with a wry smile.

Example 2: Imagine you’re chatting with a friend who’s stuck in traffic. You say: “Oof, what a drag!” Visualize them chuckling in their car, honking lightly. Suppose you’re commenting on a friend’s Snapchat about a boring class. You write: “Oof, what a drag!” Picture them snapping back, rolling their eyes in agreement.

Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say “Problem” (With Examples)

6. That’s a real gut-punch!

This vivid, intense phrase conveys a shocking or painful disappointment, offering a dramatic alternative to that sucks. It’s ideal for texts or in-person talks, with a visceral tone that emphasizes emotional impact. That’s a real gut-punch! likens the situation to a physical blow, making it raw and empathetic. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more evocative and forceful, great for serious setbacks or close bonds.

Example 1: Suppose your friend says they got laid off. You could text: “That’s a real gut-punch!” Picture them reading it at home, feeling supported by your empathy.

Example 2: Imagine your sibling shares that they didn’t get into their dream school. You say: “That’s a real gut-punch!” Visualize them nodding sadly, sitting at the kitchen table. Suppose your coworker tells you their project was rejected. You text: “That’s a real gut-punch!” Picture them sighing at their desk, appreciating your understanding.

7. Yikes, that’s rough!

This concise, empathetic phrase acknowledges a tough situation with a touch of surprise, serving as a versatile substitute for that sucks. It’s perfect for texts or social media, with a light tone that balances sympathy and shock. Yikes, that’s rough! conveys quick commiseration, making it relatable and supportive. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more dynamic and less blunt, ideal for casual or friendly interactions.

Example 1: Suppose your crush texts that their phone died during a trip. You could reply: “Yikes, that’s rough!” Picture them laughing at a café, charging their phone.

Example 2: Imagine you’re commenting on a friend’s Instagram post about a flat tire. You write: “Yikes, that’s rough!” Visualize them liking your comment, nodding by their car. Suppose your coworker shares that they missed a deadline. You say: “Yikes, that’s rough!” Picture them shrugging in the office, appreciating your reaction.

8. Oh no, what a letdown!

This expressive, sympathetic phrase highlights disappointment over unmet expectations, acting as a heartfelt alternative to that sucks. It’s great for texts or cards, with a soft tone that shows care and understanding. Oh no, what a letdown! emphasizes dashed hopes, making it emotional and relatable. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more nuanced and gentle, perfect for sensitive situations or close relationships.

Example 1: Suppose your friend texts that their date was canceled at the last minute. You could reply: “Oh no, what a letdown!” Picture them reading it on their couch, feeling comforted.

Example 2: Imagine your sibling says their team lost a big game. You say: “Oh no, what a letdown!” Visualize them sighing on the field, grateful for your words. Suppose your classmate shares that their event was poorly attended. You text: “Oh no, what a letdown!” Picture them nodding at their desk, planning a better event.

9. That’s a major downer!

This casual, emphatic phrase underscores a significant disappointment, offering a straightforward substitute for that sucks. It’s ideal for texts or conversations, with a bold tone that conveys shared frustration. That’s a major downer! highlights the weight of the situation, making it relatable and direct. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more intense and conversational, great for friends or informal settings.

Example 1: Suppose your crush texts that their vacation got canceled. You could reply: “That’s a major downer!” Picture them nodding at their phone, planning a staycation.

Example 2: Imagine you’re commenting on a friend’s Twitter post about a failed project. You write: “That’s a major downer!” Visualize them retweeting, appreciating your sympathy. Suppose your roommate shares that they lost their wallet. You say: “That’s a major downer!” Picture them groaning in the living room, feeling understood.

10. Crap, that’s lousy!

This blunt, expressive phrase conveys frustration over a bad situation, serving as a candid alternative to that sucks. It’s perfect for texts or casual chats, with a raw tone that feels honest and relatable. Crap, that’s lousy! emphasizes the unpleasantness, making it direct and empathetic. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more informal and slightly stronger, ideal for close friends or venting moments.

Example 1: Suppose your friend texts that their laptop crashed. You could reply: “Crap, that’s lousy!” Picture them reading it at a coffee shop, nodding in frustration.

Example 2: Imagine your cousin says their plans fell through. You say: “Crap, that’s lousy!” Visualize them laughing bitterly, sitting on their porch. Suppose your classmate tells you their group project failed. You text: “Crap, that’s lousy!” Picture them sighing in the library, appreciating your honesty.

Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say “That Looks Delicious” (With Examples)

11. Well, that’s a buzzkill!

This playful, slangy phrase highlights how a situation ruins the mood, acting as a humorous substitute for that sucks. It’s great for texts or social media, with a light tone that softens disappointment with wit. Well, that’s a buzzkill! suggests a party’s been dampened, making it fun and relatable. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more casual and cheeky, perfect for lightening the mood among friends.

Example 1: Suppose your crush texts that their party was canceled. You could reply: “Well, that’s a buzzkill!” Picture them chuckling at their phone, planning a movie night instead.

Example 2: Imagine you’re commenting on a friend’s Instagram post about a rained-out event. You write: “Well, that’s a buzzkill!” Visualize them liking your comment, adding a sad emoji. Suppose your friend says their favorite show was canceled. You say: “Well, that’s a buzzkill!” Picture them nodding on the couch, scrolling for new shows.

12. Dang, what a mess!

This casual, expressive phrase laments a chaotic or unfortunate situation, offering a vivid alternative to that sucks. It’s ideal for texts or conversations, with a frustrated tone that’s relatable and slightly dramatic. Dang, what a mess! paints the situation as tangled and troublesome, making it colorful and empathetic. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more descriptive and versatile, great for everyday mishaps or commiseration.

Example 1: Suppose your friend texts that they spilled paint on their project. You could reply: “Dang, what a mess!” Picture them laughing in their art studio, wiping up the spill.

Example 2: Imagine your coworker shares that they missed a big meeting. You say: “Dang, what a mess!” Visualize them shrugging in the office, appreciating your reaction. Suppose your neighbor tells you their plumbing broke. You text: “Dang, what a mess!” Picture them nodding in their kitchen, calling a plumber.

13. That’s a big ol’ nope!

This humorous, emphatic phrase rejects a bad situation with attitude, serving as a playful substitute for that sucks. It’s perfect for texts or social media, with a sassy tone that adds levity to disappointment. That’s a big ol’ nope! dismisses the situation as unacceptable, making it fun and bold. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more lighthearted and assertive, ideal for joking with friends.

Example 1: Suppose your crush texts that their team lost a game. You could reply: “That’s a big ol’ nope!” Picture them smiling at their phone, cheering up slightly.

Example 2: Imagine you’re commenting on a friend’s Twitter post about a bad haircut. You write: “That’s a big ol’ nope!” Visualize them laughing, retweeting with a scissors emoji. Suppose your sibling says their phone broke. You say: “That’s a big ol’ nope!” Picture them chuckling, heading to the repair shop.

14. Ouch, that’s brutal!

This vivid, intense phrase conveys a harsh or painful situation, acting as a strong alternative to that sucks. It’s great for texts or in-person talks, with a dramatic tone that shows deep empathy. Ouch, that’s brutal! likens the situation to a tough blow, making it raw and supportive. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more forceful and emotional, perfect for serious disappointments or close bonds.

Example 1: Suppose your friend texts that they failed an important exam. You could reply: “Ouch, that’s brutal!” Picture them reading it at home, feeling your support.

Example 2: Imagine your coworker shares that they got a bad review. You say: “Ouch, that’s brutal!” Visualize them nodding in the break room, grateful for your empathy. Suppose your classmate tells you their scholarship was denied. You text: “Ouch, that’s brutal!” Picture them sighing in their dorm, appreciating your words.

15. Geez, what a flop!

This casual, expressive phrase highlights a failed or disappointing outcome, offering a lighthearted substitute for that sucks. It’s ideal for texts or conversations, with a playful tone that softens the sting of failure. Geez, what a flop! suggests something fell flat, making it relatable and humorous. Compared to the standard phrase, it’s more vivid and less harsh, great for joking about minor setbacks with friends.

Example 1: Suppose your crush texts that their baking attempt failed. You could reply: “Geez, what a flop!” Picture them laughing in their kitchen, tossing out burnt cookies.

Example 2: Imagine you’re commenting on a friend’s Snapchat about a bad movie. You write: “Geez, what a flop!” Visualize them snapping back, agreeing with a thumbs-down emoji. Suppose your friend says their DIY project fell apart. You say: “Geez, what a flop!” Picture them chuckling in their garage, planning a redo.

Conclusion

Having internalized this vast catalog of expressive alternatives, you’re finally free from the dull grip of the phrase “That sucks.” Mastering these other ways to say that sucks instantly sharpens your discourse, allowing you to convey frustration, sympathy, or disappointment with genuine impact and nuance. Don’t just dismiss a hardship with bland, overused slang—articulate your feelings with sophisticated empathy.

For continued inspiration and to unlock a richer, more powerful vocabulary for every situation, dive deeper into our linguistic powerhouse: Other Way to Say.