an unproductive use of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unproductive use of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an activity or task that does not yield beneficial results or is not a good use of one's time. Example: "Spending hours scrolling through social media can often feel like an unproductive use of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Aside from the unproductive use of their time to travel back and forth, the officials are also often kept waiting for the mayor, who regularly runs late.

The New York Times

Just think about all of the unpaid hours workers are spending getting to and from their workplace (not to mention the generally unproductive use of that time).

HuffPost

It's just a low, unproductive use of capital in my mind.

Forbes

Far from being a waste, confirming you're on the right track avoids unproductive use of funds while re-directing the team's energies to more useful projects.

Harvard Business Review

The unproductive use of postal savings is only one example of the latter.

Forbes

The use of discriminatory language and the perpetuation of the concept of virginity (an unproductive social construct) at times distract from the show's important lessons about sex, sexuality, and communication.

Vice

"Introduction of this measure by the House Republican leadership is unproductive and a waste of time.

Huffington Post

He had an unproductive time with the ball; although he scored a total of 86 runs at 28.66, he took seven wickets at 51.42 at an economy rate of 6.56.

Wikipedia

Learning a second language is unproductive and a veritable waste of time.

Huffington Post

Tallon made 13 dismissals but had an unproductive time with the bat, scoring only 49 runs at 12.25.

Wikipedia

Mr. Tsuria believes that when a viewer scrolls through many channels at once, an unpleasant and unproductive amount of zapping time results.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unproductive use of time", clearly identify what activity or task is being described as unproductive. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "an unproductive use of time" without specifying why the activity is unproductive. General statements lack impact. Instead, provide specific reasons or outcomes that demonstrate the inefficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unproductive use of time" functions as a noun phrase that identifies and characterizes a specific activity or period as being inefficient or without positive results. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an unproductive use of time" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe activities that are inefficient or yield little to no positive results. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's applicable across various contexts, though it's more common in professional and neutral registers. While no exact examples were found, related phrases such as ""a waste of time"" and ""inefficient use of time"" can be suitable alternatives depending on the context. When using the phrase, it's important to specify what activity is being described and why it's considered unproductive for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a waste of time

Emphasizes the futility and lack of value derived from the activity.

an inefficient use of time

Highlights the lack of efficiency in how time is being spent.

a fruitless expenditure of time

Stresses the lack of positive results or outcomes.

a pointless allocation of time

Suggests that the time is being used for something that lacks purpose or meaning.

an unprofitable investment of time

Implies that the time spent does not yield any tangible benefits or returns.

a futile endeavor

Highlights the lack of success or achievement in the undertaking.

a non-productive activity

Focuses on the absence of output or progress.

a losing proposition of time

Indicates that the activity is likely to result in a net loss or negative outcome.

a vain pursuit

Implies that the activity is driven by pride or ego and is unlikely to succeed.

a bootless errand

An archaic but evocative way of saying the action is unlikely to yield results.

FAQs

What does "an unproductive use of time" mean?

It refers to spending time on activities that do not yield valuable results or contribute to achieving a goal. It suggests the time could be better spent on more beneficial tasks.

How can I avoid "an unproductive use of time"?

Prioritize tasks, set clear goals, and eliminate distractions. Regularly evaluate your activities to ensure they align with your objectives. Consider using time management techniques to improve efficiency.

What are some alternatives to saying "an unproductive use of time"?

You can use alternatives like "a waste of time", "inefficient use of time", or "fruitless endeavor" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unproductive use of time" or "waste of time"?

Both are acceptable, but ""a waste of time"" is more direct and commonly used in informal contexts. "An unproductive use of time" may be preferred in more formal or professional settings.