absurd amount of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absurd amount of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a duration that is excessively long or unreasonable. Example: "It took an absurd amount of time to complete the project, far longer than we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Alas, this took an absurd amount of time, partly because, although I am a geek, I am not a clever geek.

The New Yorker

Scavenging is permitted at Stratford Hall in a designated area; as others do, I spent an absurd amount of time combing the beach for souvenirs I never found.

The New York Times - Travel

Eventually, having spent an absurd amount of time looking for the lock and failing to find it, I gave up and drove the truck downtown instead.

The New Yorker

Before finding The Book Haven, I spent an absurd amount of time laboring through several reading forums on the pros and cons of the various translations of Les Miserables.

Stanford University

For Groff, the work of a novel starts with months of reading, researching, and studying her chosen topic, typically a blend of ideas that have "crashed into each other". The author said she spends "an absurd amount of time" writing her first draft in longhand, and that her inability to read her own scrawl forces her to scrap it and begin again.

Harvard University

"The IPCC inquiry lasted for such an absurd amount of time that it allowed a kind of cloud just to hang there, and I feel very strongly that the decision to prosecute the office of commissioner on health and safety grounds was nonsensical.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The price tag, limited availability, and beauty of sneakers have been linked to murders, riots, and people standing in line for absurd amounts of time since the 90s.

Vice

Now the state will limit use of solitary to prisoners who commit egregious crimes or can legitimately be suspected of endangering other inmates, and there are rules to prevent inmates from spending absurd amounts of time in hellishly close quarters.

Vice

I've spent a couple days now brushing my cats for just a few minutes each, and each time an absolutely absurd amount of fur is removed.

TechCrunch

This isn't the first or last time someone will make an absurd amount of money unfairly.

Vice

At the time, industry insiders couldn't believe anyone would pay such an absurd amount of money for a simple dictionary word between the "www" and the dot com.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing extreme duration, pair "absurd amount of time" with vivid verbs or adjectives to amplify the sense of excessiveness. For example, "squandered an absurd amount of time", "waited an absurd amount of time", or "unnecessarily allocated an absurd amount of time".

Common error

Avoid using "absurd amount of time" as a generic placeholder for any long duration. Provide specific details or comparisons to illustrate why the time frame is truly excessive. For example, instead of simply saying, "The meeting took an absurd amount of time", try "The meeting, initially scheduled for an hour, dragged on for three, an absurd amount of time considering the limited agenda."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absurd amount of time" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied noun, typically referring to a duration or period. Ludwig's examples show its use to describe activities, processes or inquiries that consumed an unreasonable duration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absurd amount of time" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express that something took an unreasonably long time. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and shows its presence in various contexts, most frequently in News & Media. While not overly formal, it conveys disapproval or frustration, making it a useful expression when you want to emphasize inefficiency or excessiveness in duration. Consider using alternatives such as "unreasonable duration" or "excessive period" to tailor the phrase to your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreasonable duration

Focuses on the lack of justification for the length of time.

excessive period

Highlights that the time is more than necessary or acceptable.

inordinate length of time

Emphasizes that the time is beyond what is normal or reasonable.

preposterous timeframe

Adds a sense of ridiculousness to the length of time.

ludicrously long duration

Stresses the ridiculous nature of the extended time.

exorbitant time commitment

Highlights the cost or effort associated with the length of time.

outrageous delay

Implies the time is not only long but also unacceptable.

unconscionable timeframe

Suggests the time is so long it is morally wrong.

unjustifiable span

Points out the absence of a valid reason for the time's length.

gratuitously extended period

Highlights that the extension of time was unnecessary.

FAQs

How can I use "absurd amount of time" in a sentence?

You can use "absurd amount of time" to describe something that takes longer than it reasonably should. For example, "I spent an "absurd amount of time" waiting in line at the DMV."

What can I say instead of "absurd amount of time"?

You can use alternatives such as "unreasonable duration", "excessive period", or "inordinate length of time" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "an absurd quantity of time"?

While grammatically correct, "an absurd quantity of time" isn't as common as ""absurd amount of time"". The latter is more idiomatic and natural-sounding in most contexts.

What is the difference between "absurd amount of time" and "waste of time"?

"Absurd amount of time" refers specifically to the duration of something being excessively long. "Waste of time" implies that the activity itself was unproductive or without value, regardless of its duration.