Look at prql for example of better alternative. I'd love to have something that works with modern programming languages without translation. Also is extensible. The list of complaints one can have SQL is long, and many modern databases leave it behind.
Why would it be a bad design because you have to learn a different language that is more appropriate for that specific task? Use the tool that's appropriate for the job.
OP needs to read a bit about "Domain-specific Languages", maybe design a few of their own. If SQL is so bad, make a new one that's better. To some people that might sound like a big joke or sarcasm or something. Real developers know it's not. Make your own SQL, OP. I mean it.