english
1
general::
In trouble; also, deteriorating. For example, If he can't get that bank loan he'll be in a bad way, or The business is in a bad way, with profits declining every month. [Early 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): in a bad way Go to in bad shape.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs