bad cholesterol
noun
: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is associated with increased probability of developing atherosclerosis : ldl
The two-year study of 507 patients is the most ambitious yet to test whether driving down bad cholesterol turns back the clock on plaque buildup in coronary arteries.—
Steve Sternberg
Steve SternbergA growing body of research suggests that atherosclerosis probably traces to oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the so-called bad cholesterol.—Janet Raloff
compare good cholesterol
Janet RaloffExamples of bad cholesterol in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is because risk is determined more so by the number of particles that the bad cholesterol is packaged into, as opposed to the total mass of bad cholesterol that’s floating around.
—Mary J. Scourboutakos, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
This type of fat can help lower levels of bad cholesterol, called low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
—Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Dec. 2025
Offers Heart Protection Preliminary research suggests that plum fruit benefits may include significantly lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol.
—Ross Phan, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2025
This goes against current thinking that high consumption of saturated fats raises levels of bad cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 17 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bad cholesterol
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mary J. Scourboutakos, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
This type of fat can help lower levels of bad cholesterol, called low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
—Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Dec. 2025
Offers Heart Protection Preliminary research suggests that plum fruit benefits may include significantly lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol.
—Ross Phan, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2025
This goes against current thinking that high consumption of saturated fats raises levels of bad cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 17 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bad cholesterol
Cite this Entry
“Bad cholesterol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bad%20cholesterol. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.
Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share