a wasted asset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wasted asset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a resource or investment that is not being utilized effectively or is no longer valuable. Example: "The abandoned factory has become a wasted asset for the community, as it could have been repurposed for new businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's a wasted asset.

The Guardian - Sport

We are not professionals in football administration and hence would not know if it's a wasted asset or not.

The Guardian - Sport

[C4.] Long Island City Becomes a Priority For years, Long Island City in Queens has struck many people in real estate as a wasted asset in New York City's struggle to keep companies from moving jobs to New Jersey.

The New York Times

It is increasingly clear that Rooney is, to a large extent, a wasted asset on the flanks and most expert eyes believe he either plays as a striker, behind the striker or not at all.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

At the tail end of the housing bubble FORBES ran a story, "Paying for Failure" (May 19 , 2008, that profiled firms we believed wasted assets by richly rewarding CEOs, regardless of how investors fared.

Forbes

Gates' highly effective soft spoken technique of overpowering Congress when he wants to and his mutually reinforcing relationship with President Obama will be seen by history as wasted assets if the secretary does not mobilize them for a far more pervasive program of real reform.

Huffington Post

This is likely to cause financial damage to the company through wasted assets and potential reputational harm, which could far outweigh the costs of the perceived "excessive" executive pay.

The New York Times

They have lots of skills and it's a wasted intellectual asset that they are not able to work.

Huffington Post

Tax position One major attraction of classic car investment is that profits don't attract capital gains tax as they are classed as "wasting assets", with a predicted useful life under 50 years.

The Guardian - Money

For several years, Hershey School alumni have argued that the board was rife with conflicts of interest, was wasting assets with its extensive construction of a centralized campus to replace the farm homes spread through the countryside, and had wrongly changed its admissions policies to exclude the neediest children in favor of less needy children with higher levels of academic achievement.

The New York Times

Why did they simply sit with wasting assets?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wasted asset", consider the specific reason for the waste: is it neglect, mismanagement, or lack of opportunity? Tailor your description to provide context.

Common error

While "a wasted asset" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise alternatives like "underutilized resource" or "untapped potential" to convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wasted asset" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It identifies something valuable that is not being used effectively or at all.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wasted asset" is a noun phrase used to describe something valuable that is not being utilized effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While grammatically sound, it's relatively rare. It appears primarily in news and media contexts, often to criticize inefficiencies or highlight unrealized potential. Alternatives such as "underutilized resource" or "untapped potential" may be more appropriate in formal settings. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the reasons behind the waste, enhancing its impact and relevance within the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Underutilized resource

This alternative emphasizes the lack of proper use of a resource.

Unexploited resource

Similar to underutilized, but with a focus on active non-use.

Untapped potential

This phrase focuses on the unrealized possibilities of something.

Neglected advantage

Highlights that a benefit is being ignored or not properly used.

Unused capability

Focuses on the capacity or skill that isn't being applied.

Lost opportunity

This highlights the failure to capitalize on an available chance or resource.

Idle capacity

This refers to resources or facilities that are not currently in use.

Fallow asset

Draws a parallel to agricultural land that is left uncultivated, implying potential that is not being realized.

Squandered resource

This suggests the resource has been foolishly wasted.

Unleveraged strength

This suggests that a strength or positive attribute is not being used to its full advantage.

FAQs

How can I use "a wasted asset" in a sentence?

You can use "a wasted asset" to describe anything from physical property to skills or opportunities that are not being used effectively. For example, "The vacant building is "a wasted asset" for the community."

What are some alternatives to "a wasted asset"?

Alternatives include "underutilized resource", "untapped potential", or "lost opportunity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "wasted asset" a negative term?

Yes, "wasted asset" generally carries a negative connotation, implying that something valuable is not being used properly or is being neglected.

Can "a wasted asset" refer to a person?

Yes, it can. Although less common, you could describe someone's skills or talents as "a wasted asset" if they are not being utilized in their current role or situation.