look bad

基本解释

The failure to hook the gas network up to other sources, or to build new gas-storage facilities, looks bad.
无法寻求其他的能源供应渠道或是建造新的燃气储存设备是很糟糕的。
But some state media and experts say the move not only looks bad but imposes another layer of control on the already stigmatized, vulnerable migrants.
但是一些国家的媒体和专家认为这种运动不但看起来效果很差，而且把另一个层面的控制强加到本已经收到侮辱和伤害的外来人员身上。
blog.sina.com.cn
Don't ever tell her that she looks bad.
永远别说她看起来很糟。

The saying that looks like something the cat dragged in describes something in bad condition.
If they're failing they should cut their dividend, but companies are reluctant to do that because it looks bad, so they hold off for a long time, not cutting.
如果效益不好他们应该减少红利,但是公司不愿意这样做,是因为这样显得很糟糕,所以他们一直拖延着不去减少红利
耶鲁公开课 - 金融市场课程节选
So, you're having a good year this year maybe-- it looks that way now-- and you think you can't afford it, but just think how bad it will be if it's a bad year.
也许对你来说,今年年景不错,起码现在看起来是这样的,你只是觉得买不起保险,那么一旦歉收,你的处境会有多糟呢
耶鲁公开课 - 金融市场课程节选

If you think this election looks bad, consider the one of 1876—and then worry.
ECONOMIST: Watch yourself at dinner, Dubya