uổng phí
Definition
- Adjective:
- Wasted / Squandered: Describes something, typically time, money, effort, or resources, that has been used without yielding any useful result or benefit. It implies a sense of loss and futility.
- In vain / Fruitless: Characterizes an action or expenditure that fails to achieve its intended purpose.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Thật uổng phí thời gian khi chờ đợi một người không đến. (It is a real waste of time to wait for someone who doesn't come.)
- Đó là một sự đầu tư uổng phí tiền bạc. (That was a squandered investment of money.)
- Công sức của chúng tôi đã trở nên uổng phí. (Our effort has been in vain.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in the construction "thật là uổng phí" (it's truly a waste) or "uổng phí quá" (what a waste) to express strong regret over the wastefulness of a situation.
- Uổng phí quá! Anh ta có tài năng nhưng không chịu rèn luyện. (What a waste! He has talent but refuses to train.)
Variants and Related Words
Phí phạm (adj): Synonymous with "uổng phí," meaning wasteful or squandered. It can sometimes carry a slightly stronger connotation of extravagance or negligence.
- Đừng có phí phạm thức ăn như thế. (Don't waste food like that.)
Lãng phí (adj, v): A more common and general term for "waste" or "to waste." It is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Lãng phí tài nguyên là không thể chấp nhận. (Wasting resources is unacceptable.)
Synonyms
- Wasted: Used or expended to no avail.
- Squandered: Wasteful in a reckless or extravagant manner.
- In vain: Without success or a desired result.
- Fruitless: Failing to achieve the desired results; unproductive.
Related Idioms and Phrases
Uổng phí thanh xuân: To waste one's youth.
- Cô ấy cảm thấy mình đã uổng phí thanh xuân vì những mối tình vô vọng. (She felt she had wasted her youth on hopeless romances.)
Uổng phí công sức: To waste one's effort; for one's labor to be in vain.
- Nếu không có kế hoạch, mọi thứ sẽ uổng phí công sức. (Without a plan, everything will be a waste of effort.)