Having a terrible experience can be a frustrating and unpleasant ordeal that can leave a person feeling defeated and miserable. But there are a variety of ways to describe and convey the emotions associated with such an event. Some synonyms for 'bad experience' include: Nightmare, disaster, catastrophe, tragedy, misfortune, setback, injury, defeat, disappointment, etc. Each of these words carries a slightly different connotation, with some being more dramatic and others being more understated. Regardless of which term is used, it's important to acknowledge and process negative experiences in a healthy way, and to seek support if needed to aid in the healing process.