Top Worst Programming/Coding Languages in 2025

In the world of programming, not all languages are created equal. Some can feel like a walk in the park, making tasks effortless, while others feel like a constant battle. It’s not just about speed or efficiency—it's about usability, flexibility, and how well a language meets the demands of today’s technology landscape. For every JavaScript and Python, there’s a language that frustrates, confuses, and, frankly, limits developers. If you’re a developer, you likely know the feeling of working with a language that just doesn’t deliver.

This blog delves into the worst programming languages of 2025 and explores why they’re considered “the worst” in today’s coding world. By examining factors that lead to frustration, such as clunky syntax, limited functionality, and compatibility issues, we hope to guide you on what to avoid when choosing your next programming language.

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How to Identify the Worst Programming Languages

Identifying the “worst” programming language is tricky. Every language has strengths and weaknesses, and some might perform well in specific scenarios but fall short for general use. However, certain factors make a language problematic for most developers:

• Outdated Syntax and Functionality—Some languages have not evolved with modern programming demands, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
• Poor Compatibility – Languages that struggle to integrate with other systems or lack community support can slow down projects and lead to countless issues.
• Limited Use Cases—A language that only works for niche applications may not be suitable for today’s multi-platform world.
• Difficult to Learn or Use—Some languages have steep learning curves or confusing syntax, which can frustrate beginners and professionals alike.
• Slow Performance and High Resource Use – Languages that consume excessive resources or deliver slow performance can be deal-breakers, especially in performance-critical applications.

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Top 5 Worst Programming/Coding Languages in 2025

1. MATLAB

Originally developed for matrix manipulation, MATLAB is a programming language popular in academia and among engineers. But as we enter 2025, MATLAB is proving to be more of a burden than a blessing.

• Why it’s frustrating: MATLAB’s core problem is its heavy reliance on a paid license, which limits accessibility for developers who prefer open-source tools. MATLAB's syntax, while logical for mathematical operations, feels rigid and outdated compared to modern programming languages. Integrating with other languages is also difficult, creating a barrier for developers working on diverse projects.
• Limitations: Its main focus is on mathematical and scientific computing, which means MATLAB has limited general-purpose use. Developers working outside academia or research are unlikely to find it useful.

For those looking for data analysis or machine learning, Python has become the preferred choice, offering flexibility, extensive libraries, and community support—areas where MATLAB falls short.

2. Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Microsoft’s language for automating Office applications, has been around for decades. While it was once a revolutionary tool for enhancing Excel and Access, VBA is now considered outdated and clunky.

• Why it’s frustrating: VBA has serious limitations in terms of versatility. It's confined to Microsoft Office applications, so developers have little freedom to apply it outside this ecosystem. The language has a steep learning curve and is limited in use in real-world programming.
• Limitations: VBA's relevance has plummeted as more businesses move toward cloud-based solutions. The lack of community support and updates has also contributed to its fall in popularity.

VBA’s diminishing role in modern application development makes it a frustrating language, especially for those who need to code beyond Microsoft’s ecosystem.

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3. Objective-C

Objective-C was once the primary language for iOS development, but Swift has since overshadowed it. Despite its historical significance, Objective-C remains a nightmare for many developers due to its complex syntax and lack of intuitive readability.

• Why it’s frustrating: Objective-C’s syntax is a mix of C and Smalltalk, making it look confusing and outdated. It lacks Swift's modern features and user-friendly syntax to iOS development.
• Limitations: Today, most iOS developers prefer Swift because it’s easier to learn, faster to write, and far more intuitive. For developers starting with Objective-C, the language feels like a relic of the past, especially compared to more modern languages.

Objective-C’s rigidity and dated syntax make it an unappealing choice for iOS development, making it frustrating for those who have to maintain legacy projects.

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4. Groovy

Groovy often feels like it’s trying to be too many things at once. Groovy is designed to work on the Java platform as an agile, flexible alternative to Java. However, the language has gained a reputation for being unreliable.

• Why it’s frustrating: Groovy’s issues lie in its inconsistent performance and its tendency to introduce complex problems when used in larger applications. While it initially gained popularity due to its flexibility, many developers find Groovy’s features and syntax confusing.
• Limitations: The language struggles with performance and doesn’t scale well for large projects where stability and speed are essential. The lack of strong typing also adds to the confusion, making debugging and maintaining larger codebases hard.

Although it still has some dedicated users, Groovy’s chaotic syntax and unreliable performance make it one of the more difficult languages to work with.

5. COBOL

COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) was designed in the 1950s and was revolutionary for business applications. However, in 2025, COBOL is far from developer-friendly, and its use is generally limited to legacy systems in government and finance.

• Why it’s frustrating: COBOL’s syntax is verbose and inflexible, making coding feel more like a chore. The language was created for an era that predates modern programming practices, which means working with COBOL often involves navigating outdated structures and concepts.
• Limitations: COBOL lacks the flexibility of modern languages and is rarely used outside mainframe systems. The language hasn’t evolved, and maintaining COBOL code is difficult and time-consuming.

Despite its historical role, COBOL is a language many developers avoid due to its outdated syntax and limited application. Its usage mainly persists in legacy systems, which keeps it relevant in some circles, but it’s otherwise a challenge for modern developers.

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Looking for a Useful Programming Language?

If you’ve been frustrated by outdated programming languages, Whizzbridge is here to help you find a solution that aligns perfectly with your needs. At Whizzbridge, we’re dedicated to offering services built on reliable, modern programming languages that empower your projects rather than hold them back. Our team specializes in languages that excel in versatility, usability, and community support—ensuring that your applications are functional and future-ready.

Whizzbridge’s services include Python development for data-rich applications, JavaScript for responsive and dynamic web solutions, and Swift for high-performance mobile apps. Whether you’re aiming to build efficient data pipelines, create engaging web platforms, or launch interactive mobile applications, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life without the pitfalls of outdated languages.

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Conclusion

The “worst” programming languages of 2025 reveal how outdated syntax, limited compatibility, and niche applications can create a frustrating experience for developers. While each of these languages has its merits, they also have severe limitations that make them impractical for many modern projects. From MATLAB’s restrictive licensing to VBA’s confinement to Microsoft Office, these languages often feel like a barrier rather than a tool. With so many powerful languages available today, there’s no reason to settle for languages that hinder productivity and growth.

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FAQs: Worst Programming/Coding Languages in 2025

Q1: What is the worst programming language in 2025?

A: This can vary depending on personal experience, but many developers find MATLAB, VBA, Objective-C, Groovy, and COBOL frustrating due to outdated syntax, limited compatibility, and niche applications.

Q2: Why is MATLAB considered a bad programming language?

A: MATLAB’s restricted licensing and limited use cases outside scientific computing make it inaccessible and impractical for many modern programming tasks, particularly for those who prefer open-source tools.

Q3: Is COBOL still used in 2025?

A: Yes, COBOL is still used in legacy systems within certain industries, like government and finance. However, its outdated syntax and limited application make it challenging for modern developers.

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Q4: Should I learn VBA if I want to automate tasks in Excel?

A: While VBA is still used for Excel automation, alternative solutions, like Python with the pandas library, can often be more versatile and open up broader applications beyond Microsoft Office.

Q5: What language should I learn instead of these “worst” languages?

A: If you’re looking for widely applicable and user-friendly languages, consider learning Python, JavaScript, Rust, or Swift, which are more adaptable to various applications and have strong community support.

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