dregs

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dregs" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate the most undesirable elements of a group or activity. For example, "Many of the small towns on the border were filled with the dregs of society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And freezing wine dregs in an ice cube tray instead of, y'know, necking them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is nothing worse than soggy muffins or a plate swimming in watery dregs because some gormless chef, has chucked wet eggs on the plate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead all was geared towards those 10 back-to-back Test Matches against Australia, a piece of scheduling that helped wring the last dregs from a fine England team, while also scotching the current World Cup and dulling the precious allure of the Ashes itself.

The Guardian - Sport

Bullets rip into flesh, which flies out in messy chunks as blood spatters walls and falls like crimson rain on nicely arranged white flowers – on and on it goes, bang-bang-bang, spatter-spatter-spatter, mercilessly, while we, a grey-haired audience on a Wednesday afternoon, break open our foil-wrapped carrot cake and drain the dregs of our cappuccinos.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Sima now says the relentless media attack has served only to elevate the profile and standing of the Falun Gong's leader whom he delights in calling a "liar" and the "dregs of humanity"—while making the government appear nervous and scared.But the government may have cause to be nervous.

The Economist

Mr Sarkozy favours a zero-tolerance approach to urban violence, and in the days before the unrest began he angered many by calling troublemakers in poor districts "dregs".

The Economist

A "middle-ranking" kid ever in danger of sliding down into the social dregs, the adolescent protagonist Jason Taylor is relentlessly bullied for his stammer.

The Economist

The last dregs of oil will be so difficult and costly to tap into that they will persist in pockets of awkward geology long after humans have given up on the stuff.Living animals, on the other hand, must meet and mate to maintain their numbers.

The Economist

She thinks many people look down on domestics, regarding them as "the dregs".

The Economist

Bagasse, the crushed dregs of sugar cane, is being burnt for energy and mixed with urea to feed cattle.

The Economist

Those last dregs of uneaten chowder may look like rubbish, but in Massachusetts such waste is increasingly seen as an opportunity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dregs" to describe people, be mindful of the negative connotation and potential for causing offense. Ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

Common error

Avoid using "dregs" in formal or professional writing unless the intent is to convey strong disapproval. Opt for more neutral terms like "residue" or "remnants" in objective reports.

Linguistic Context

Dregs functions primarily as a noun, referring to the sediment at the bottom of a liquid or, more broadly, the least desirable elements of something. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing both physical remnants and undesirable individuals or groups.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "dregs" functions as a noun to describe the least desirable remnants or elements. While grammatically correct and frequently used, its negative connotation warrants careful consideration in formal contexts. Ludwig's analysis, backed by numerous examples, reveals its prominence in news and media, emphasizing its role in characterizing undesirable aspects of both physical substances and societal groups. Be aware of the potential for offense when using "dregs" to describe people, opting for neutral alternatives when objectivity is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sediment

Refers to the solid material that settles at the bottom of a liquid; it is a more neutral term.

residue

Denotes what remains after a process is completed; less negative in connotation.

lees

Specifically refers to the sediment of wine or beer; more technical and specific.

remnants

Indicates remaining pieces or parts; broader in application and less pejorative.

scum

Refers to a layer of dirt or froth on the surface of a liquid; carries a negative connotation.

refuse

Denotes unwanted or unusable material; general term for waste.

waste

General term for discarded material; lacks the specific negative connotation.

sweepings

Material collected by sweeping; specific to physical cleanup.

leavings

Things left behind; emphasizes abandonment or neglect.

rejects

Items discarded because they don't meet standards; focuses on quality.

FAQs

How is "dregs" used in a sentence?

"Dregs" can refer to the sediment at the bottom of a liquid or the least desirable part of something, as in "the "dregs of society"".

What are some synonyms for "dregs"?

Synonyms for "dregs" include "sediment", "residue", and "lees", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "dregs" to describe people?

Using "dregs" to describe people is highly negative and can be offensive. Consider using less pejorative terms unless you intend to convey strong disapproval.

What is the difference between "dregs" and "sediment"?

"Dregs" often implies a negative connotation, referring to the worst parts, while "sediment" is a more neutral term for solid material that settles at the bottom of a liquid.