a significant waste of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant waste of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an activity or situation that is perceived as unproductive or not worth the time invested. Example: "After attending the meeting, I realized it was a significant waste of time, as no decisions were made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

All others were a significant waste of time.

TechCrunch

Retaking either of these tests could be a significant game changer, but it could also be a significant waste of time if not approached correctly.

Huffington Post

This results in a significant waste of time and resources in cases where putative hits cannot be validated without resynthesis.

ACS Combinatorial Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

From a first glance, it looks like an awfully significant waste of time.

Huffington Post

He has a lot of terrifying statements and policies, but for now, let's just focus on the fact that he would waste a significant amount of time trying to get a Constitutional Amendment to prevent same-sex marriage.

Huffington Post

Still, anyone who has reached the level required by the new Wrath of the Lich King expansion pack (it's not for beginners) has clearly wasted a significant amount of time on it.

The Guardian - Tech

They are a waste of time, a waste of space and a waste of money.

The Guardian - Opinion

A complete waste of time.

The New York Times

"A terrific waste of time.

Independent

What a precious waste of time.

The New York Times - Sports

Love is a terrible waste of time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating whether an activity is "a significant waste of time", consider both the potential benefits and the resources required. Prioritize tasks that offer the highest return on investment.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant waste of time" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "fruitless endeavor" or "major time sink" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant waste of time" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes something as being unproductive or not worth the time spent, as Ludwig AI explains. This is supported by examples where the phrase is used to evaluate the value of an activity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant waste of time" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood expression used to describe activities or situations deemed unproductive or not worth the time invested. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for expressing a negative evaluation of an activity. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears most often in news and media contexts, with some usage in scientific fields. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience, and be mindful of overusing it; alternatives like "fruitless endeavor" or "major time sink" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable squandering of time

This alternative emphasizes the act of wasting time on a larger scale.

a major time sink

This alternative highlights the characteristic of an activity that consumes a lot of time without producing valuable results.

a fruitless endeavor

This alternative shifts the focus to the lack of positive outcomes from an activity.

a pointless exercise

This alternative emphasizes the lack of purpose or value in the activity.

an unproductive use of time

This alternative focuses on the inefficient allocation of time.

a futile activity

This alternative highlights the ineffectiveness and lack of success of the activity.

a vain pursuit

This alternative suggests that the activity is unlikely to yield any positive results despite the effort.

a useless undertaking

This alternative focuses on the lack of practical value or benefit from the activity.

a dead end

This alternative indicates that the activity leads to no progress or advancement.

an exercise in futility

This alternative underscores the complete lack of value or positive outcome from the activity.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant waste of time" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant waste of time" to describe activities or tasks that are unproductive or do not yield valuable results. For example, "Attending that meeting turned out to be a significant waste of time."

What are some alternatives to saying "a significant waste of time"?

Some alternatives include "fruitless endeavor", "major time sink", or "pointless exercise". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a significant waste of time"?

Yes, the phrase "a significant waste of time" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a significant waste of time"?

Use "a significant waste of time" when you want to emphasize that an activity is not just a minor inconvenience but a substantial misuse of time and resources. Consider the context to ensure it is the most suitable phrase.