a wasted potential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wasted potential" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has potential that has not been realized or used, such as a talent, opportunity, or resource. For example, "The lack of available resources was the main reason for the organization's failure, leading to a wasted potential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"For a nation attempting to rebuild itself, to grow, to become more stable, and to restart the economy, every one of the 1 million girls represents a wasted potential for Afghanistan," said UNICEF Representative Bernt Aasen at the launch of the campaign.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It puts a lot at your fingertips but there's also a lot of wasted potential.

TechCrunch

Rather than delivering much-anticipated "hope" to the most beleaguered parts of the country, the administration could instead leave a legacy of wasted potential and economic misery that will haunt communities, and the entire country, for generations.

Forbes

Through it all, the frat-boy wisdom they repeat to each other remains the same: Nothing — not a job, not a woman and certainly not a sense of your wasted potential — is worth losing sleep over.

The New York Times - Magazine

If they had made one or two decent movies then lapsed into self-indulgence, it would be a clear case of wasted potential.

The Guardian - Film

Or rather as a lost cause and wasted potential.

Vice

I could have played any number of different video games last week, but I chose to spend my hours with the decidedly mediocre ReCore, a garbled mess of wasted potential (the details of which are elaborated on here).

Vice

I could have played any number of different video games last week, but I chose to spend my hours with the decidedly mediocre ReCore, a garbled mess of wasted potential.

Vice

Today Quinn is still a legend, but now that he's in prison, his glory days long burned away to ash, his story is now one about wasted potential, or a cautionary tale about what happens when a man takes justice into his own hands.

Vice

Chris Richards of The Washington Post wrote that the song has "plodding beat" and "forgettable hook" and additionally criticized the ending of the song with a sound of gunshot; according to him that's an attempt to "salvage its wasted potential".

Wikipedia

It's a painfully thorough tale of wasted potential: she fell out of love with her own talent.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wasted potential", ensure it's clear what specific potential is being referred to. Providing context enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a wasted potential" in overly dramatic or cliché contexts. Opt for more specific and descriptive language to convey the missed opportunity effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wasted potential" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes something or someone possessing unrealized capabilities. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wasted potential" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe unrealized capabilities or missed opportunities. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to express regret or concern, and it's commonly found in news, business, and even scientific contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to use it with specific context to avoid clichés. Exploring related phrases like "untapped potential" or "unrealized potential" can offer nuanced alternatives for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrealized potential

Focuses on the potential that was never brought to fruition.

squandered potential

Highlights the idea that the potential was carelessly or foolishly lost.

untapped potential

Emphasizes the potential is still available but not yet used.

missed potential

Similar to lost opportunity, but with a stronger emphasis on the inherent potential.

unfulfilled promise

Emphasizes the failure to live up to an initial expectation or possibility.

lost opportunity

Shifts the focus from the potential itself to the missed chance.

underutilized talent

Specifically refers to talent that isn't being used effectively.

unexploited resource

Focuses on a resource that could have been used but wasn't.

idle capacity

Refers to a capability that is not currently in use.

frustrated ambition

Highlights the disappointment when ambitions are not achieved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wasted potential" to describe missed opportunities or unrealized talents. For instance, "Failing to invest in education is "a wasted potential" for the country's future."

What are some alternatives to "a wasted potential"?

Alternatives include "untapped potential", "unrealized potential", or "squandered potential". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "wasted potential" or "a wasted potential"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a wasted potential" is used when referring to a specific instance of wasted potential. "Wasted potential" without the article is more general.

What does "a wasted potential" imply?

It implies that something or someone had the capacity to achieve more or be better, but circumstances, choices, or neglect prevented that from happening.