Definition

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.

Usage

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).

Examples

• 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.

Advanced Usage

• "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.

Variants and Related Words

• 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.

Synonyms

• Poor investment
• Frivolous expenditure
• Misuse of funds

Related Idioms

• 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.

Notes

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.

Noun

1. money spent for inadequate return
   • the senator said that the project was a waste of money