are not worthwhile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not worthwhile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something does not have value or merit, often in a critical context. Example: "Many of the proposed changes to the policy are not worthwhile and do not address the core issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I don't mean high standards are not worthwhile.

The New York Times

None of which suggests, Dr. Thyfault says, that statins are not worthwhile.

The New York Times

Independent bookstore operators complain that, like many of publishers's promotional offers, the deals are not worthwhile for the relatively small volumes the stores sell.

The New York Times

Over successive rounds, each side could bring less to the table or be less willing to follow through on its promises — further convincing one another that talks are not worthwhile.

The New York Times

But just as the fact that some police are corrupt does not mean we should not have people to enforce the law, although bad zoos or exhibits persist does not mean they are not worthwhile institutes.

The Guardian

In trying to overcome the political obstacles, the Obama administration could face opposition from those who say that any concessions to Russia are not worthwhile, given the major disagreements on foreign policy, human rights and concerns about corruption, and especially because the amount of trade with Russia is small.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Children under 13 aren't enough of a market, aren't worthwhile to spend the money on compliance and tolerate the risk of getting it wrong," Mr. Reed said.

The New York Times - Tech

If the returns aren't worthwhile, it's time to stop going.

Forbes

(I am not saying that these programs aren't worthwhile, but I am saying that they aren't jobs).

Huffington Post

"No, it's not worthwhile now".

The New York Times

Life is not worthwhile without it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not worthwhile", consider the specific context and choose a more precise alternative if it better conveys the intended meaning, such as "are not profitable" or "are not beneficial".

Common error

Avoid using "are not worthwhile" in highly formal or academic writing if a more sophisticated or precise term like "lack merit" or "are unproductive" is available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not worthwhile" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the quality or state of a subject as lacking sufficient value or merit. As shown in Ludwig examples, it commonly expresses a negative evaluation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not worthwhile" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something lacks sufficient value or merit. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts, although more precise alternatives might be preferable in formal writing. The phrase appears frequently in news, science, and business-related content. Consider context and nuance to choose the most appropriate wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not valuable

Emphasizes the lack of monetary or material worth.

are not beneficial

Focuses on the absence of positive effects or advantages.

are not advantageous

Highlights the lack of strategic or practical benefit.

are not useful

Stresses the absence of utility or practical application.

are not profitable

Specifically refers to the lack of financial gain.

are not fruitful

Suggests a lack of positive outcomes or results.

are not productive

Highlights the inefficiency or lack of output.

are not rewarding

Focuses on the lack of personal satisfaction or gain.

are not commendable

Suggests a lack of praiseworthiness or merit.

are not advisable

Emphasizes that a course of action is not recommended.

FAQs

What does "are not worthwhile" mean?

The phrase "are not worthwhile" means that something lacks sufficient value, benefit, or importance to justify the time, effort, or resources required. It suggests that the potential gains do not outweigh the costs or drawbacks.

What can I say instead of "are not worthwhile"?

You can use alternatives like "are not valuable", "are not beneficial", or "are not useful" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is not worthwhile"?

Yes, "is not worthwhile" is correct when referring to a singular subject. For example, "This effort is not worthwhile if it doesn't produce results."

How formal is the phrase "are not worthwhile"?

The phrase "are not worthwhile" is generally considered neutral in formality and is suitable for various contexts, including news articles, general writing, and some business communications. However, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings.