Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

bad-apple

noun

/ˈbæd ˈæpəl/

Definition

A person who has a harmful or negative influence on a group or organization.

Examples

The once-thriving team suffered when a bad-apple joined, causing distrust among the members.
It’s important to address the behavior of bad-apples before they spoil the whole group.

Meaning

The term ‘bad-apple’ is often used to describe someone whose actions or behavior can corrupt or negatively affect others, particularly in a team or community setting.