colossal waste

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "colossal waste" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is considered to be a significant or enormous waste of resources, time, or effort. Example: "The abandoned project turned out to be a colossal waste of taxpayer money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was a colossal waste.

The New York Times

Such failings add up to colossal waste.

The Economist

Then this colossal waste of money".

The New York Times

"So it is a colossal waste".

The New York Times

WAS it all a colossal waste of lives and money?

The Economist

But it may be a colossal waste of money.

The Washington Post

Mr. Sadowski called the case "a colossal waste of the taxpayers' money".

The New York Times

For the message needs to be broadcast that alternative medicine is a colossal waste of money.

The Economist

This, he rightly points out, would be unfair to households and a colossal waste of resources.

The Economist

What a colossal waste of time almost on par with "reaffirming" our national motto.

The New York Times

The same system causes colossal waste and environmental damage as officials doggedly pursue growth targets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "colossal waste", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the significant scale and negative impact of the waste being described. Be specific about what is being wasted (time, money, resources) and why it is considered colossal.

Common error

Avoid using "colossal waste" for minor or insignificant inefficiencies. The term implies a substantial and impactful loss. Use more appropriate terms like "slight inefficiency" or "minor waste" for smaller issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "colossal waste" functions as a noun phrase, where "colossal" modifies the noun "waste". It describes something as being a large and unacceptable loss or squandering of resources, time, or effort. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "colossal waste" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something considered a significant or enormous waste of resources, time, or effort. As Ludwig confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science domains. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, leaning slightly towards formal, it carries a strong connotation of disapproval. When using "colossal waste", ensure that the context warrants such a strong term and that the nature of the waste is clearly defined. Alternatives such as "huge waste" or "massive waste" can be used depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

huge squandering

Emphasizes the act of wasting something valuable on a large scale.

massive dissipation

Focuses on the scattering or dispersing of resources in a wasteful manner on a large scale.

immense squander

Highlights the magnitude of the waste or the resources being squandered.

enormous dissipation

Similar to massive dissipation, but emphasizing the size of dissipation.

terrible misuse

Highlights the inappropriate or incorrect use of something on a large scale leading to its waste.

egregious misuse

Emphasizes how outstandingly bad the misuse is.

outrageous wastefulness

Highlights the shocking and unacceptable nature of the waste.

substantial depletion

Focuses on the reduction or emptying of resources on a large scale.

vast depletion

Emphasizes the great extent of the depletion.

extensive loss

Focuses on the broad or widespread nature of the loss due to waste.

FAQs

How can I use "colossal waste" in a sentence?

You can use "colossal waste" to describe situations where there is a significant and unacceptable loss of resources, time, or money. For example, "The project's failure was a "colossal waste" of taxpayer funds."

What are some alternatives to "colossal waste"?

Alternatives include "huge waste", "massive waste", "enormous waste", or "immense waste". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "colossal waste" in formal writing?

Yes, "colossal waste" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a significant and unacceptable loss. Ensure that the context supports the use of such a strong term.

What is the difference between "colossal waste" and "significant waste"?

"Colossal waste" implies a much larger and more impactful loss than "significant waste". "Significant waste" suggests the waste is noteworthy, while "colossal waste" suggests it is extraordinarily large and wasteful.