be squandered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be squandered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is wasted or used inefficiently, often referring to resources, time, or opportunities. Example: "If we don't manage our budget wisely, our funds will be squandered on unnecessary expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This moment must not be squandered.

The New York Times

Otherwise the bonanza would be squandered.

The Economist

The current opportunity must not be squandered.

The New York Times

It must not be squandered.

The New York Times

"This asset mustn't be squandered".

The Guardian - Business

The Navy's gift shouldn't be squandered.

The New York Times

Government authority is not to be squandered.

The Guardian - Opinion

The moment should not be squandered.

The New York Times

"These days are not to be squandered".

The New York Times

As things stand, it seems likely to be squandered.

The Economist

The painter chooses extravagance; everything must be squandered.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be squandered", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is at risk of being wasted, providing context for the potential loss.

Common error

While versatile, "be squandered" can sometimes sound overly dramatic in formal or business settings. Consider alternatives like "be misused" or "be wasted" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be squandered" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a resource, opportunity, or asset is at risk of being wasted or misused. It often appears in contexts emphasizing the importance of careful management and responsible use, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be squandered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that warns against the wasteful or inefficient use of valuable resources, opportunities, or talents. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and business contexts. When writing, consider using alternatives like "be wasted" or "be misused" to fine-tune the tone and emphasis. The key is to use "be squandered" when you want to emphasize the negative consequences of not managing something carefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be wasted

Focuses on the inefficient use or loss of something valuable.

be frittered away

Emphasizes the gradual and trivial loss of something over time.

be dissipated

Highlights the scattering or dissolving of something, often resources or energy.

be thrown away

Implies a careless or reckless disposal of something valuable.

be misspent

Indicates that something was spent or used unwisely or inappropriately.

be misused

Focuses on using something in an incorrect or harmful way.

be lost

Indicates that something valuable has been irrecoverably taken.

be forfeited

Emphasizes the loss of something as a consequence of one's actions or inaction.

be neglected

Stresses the lack of care or attention leading to a loss of potential.

go down the drain

Suggests a complete and irreversible loss, often of money or effort.

FAQs

How can I use "be squandered" in a sentence?

You can use "be squandered" to describe something valuable that could be wasted if not managed properly. For example, "This opportunity must not "be squandered"."

What does "be squandered" mean?

"Be squandered" means to be wasted, used carelessly, or lost due to a lack of proper management or appreciation. It implies that something valuable is being used inefficiently or in a way that doesn't yield the expected benefits.

What can I say instead of "be squandered"?

You can use alternatives like "be wasted", "be frittered away", or "be dissipated" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be squandered" or "be wasted"?

Both phrases are correct, but "be squandered" often implies a greater sense of irresponsibility or carelessness in the wasting of something valuable. "Be wasted" is a more general term for not being used effectively.