waste of money
Noun Phrase: - An expenditure of money that provides little or no value or benefit; money spent for an inadequate return. This phrase describes a situation where financial resources are used in a way that is considered pointless, inefficient, or not worth the cost.
This phrase is typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence to criticize a purchase, investment, or project. - It is often preceded by the indefinite article "a" (e.g., a waste of money). - It can be used with linking verbs like "be" or "seem" (e.g., That is a waste of money). - It can follow verbs like "consider" or "think (of)" (e.g., I consider it a waste of money).
- As a subject:
- Buying that expensive gadget was a complete waste of money; it broke after a week.
- As an object:
- The critics called the new public sculpture a waste of money.
- After a linking verb:
- Paying for premium cable channels is a waste of money if you never watch them.
- "to be a crying waste of money": Emphasizes that something is a particularly regrettable or obvious waste.
- Leaving the university after one semester was a crying waste of money.
- Used in formal or public discourse to critique fiscal decisions.
- The opposition party labeled the infrastructure plan a colossal waste of money.
- Money down the drain (Idiom): A very common informal synonym meaning money spent with no result.
- Squander (Verb): To waste something, especially money or time, in a reckless or foolish manner.
- He squandered his inheritance.
- Wasteful (Adjective): Using or expending something of value carelessly or to no purpose.
- The program was criticized for being wasteful.
- Poor investment
- Frivolous expenditure
- Misuse of funds
- Throw good money after bad: To waste more money in an attempt to recoup a previous loss.
- Repairing that old car is just throwing good money after bad.
- Burn a hole in one's pocket: Said of money that someone is eager to spend, often leading to wasteful purchases.
- His bonus was burning a hole in his pocket, so he bought a waste of money.
This phrase is inherently negative and judgmental. It expresses a subjective opinion on the value of an expenditure. What one person considers a waste of money (e.g., an expensive painting), another might see as a valuable investment.
- money spent for inadequate return
- the senator said that the project was a waste of money