excessive spending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessive spending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe spending that is considered to be more than what is reasonable or necessary, often in a financial context. Example: "The company's excessive spending on luxury office supplies has raised concerns among the shareholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Excessive spending?

The New York Times - Sports

denies excessive spending on conferences.

Independent

Years of excessive spending have taken a toll on Illinois.

The Economist

Because, according to McConnell: "The biggest problem confronting the country is our excessive spending".

The Guardian - Opinion

Jim said the illness might return and one symptom of it was excessive spending of money.

The New Yorker

"Finally it looks as if Greek politicians will be reined in from more excessive spending".

The New York Times

It is, he said, a symbol of the Obama administration's expansion of government and excessive spending.

The New York Times

"It was excessive spending," Gary Spaulding, a manufacturing director, told Bloomberg.

The New York Times

"This calls for a very firm grip to curb the excessive spending of regional governments".

The New York Times

Loose credit and excessive spending got us into the mess we're still in.

The New York Times

If true, Citi's problems may have more to do with lost revenues than excessive spending.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing government budgets or financial performance, use "excessive spending" to highlight fiscal irresponsibility or a lack of budgetary control.

Common error

Avoid misinterpreting strategic investments for future growth as "excessive spending". Differentiate between expenses that are wasteful and those that are crucial for long-term benefits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive spending" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of spending in a manner that exceeds reasonable or justifiable limits. This aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis, which indicates the phrase's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excessive spending" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to criticize or express concern over the wasteful or irresponsible use of financial resources. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely employed across numerous reputable sources, particularly in the News & Media sector. Alternative phrasing includes "overspending", "wasteful spending", and "extravagant expenditure". A key consideration in its usage is differentiating it from strategic investments to avoid misrepresenting necessary expenditures as wasteful ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overspending

This alternative is a more concise term for spending more than planned or affordable.

extravagant expenditure

This alternative emphasizes the lavish and unnecessary nature of the spending.

wasteful spending

This alternative highlights the inefficiency and lack of value in the spending.

lavish outlays

This alternative uses more formal language to describe generous and often unnecessary expenditures.

profligate spending

This alternative suggests reckless and irresponsible spending habits.

unrestrained spending

This alternative points to a lack of control and limits in the spending.

immoderate expenses

This alternative focuses on the unreasonable and disproportionate level of expenses.

exorbitant costs

This alternative emphasizes the excessively high prices or fees involved.

unnecessary expenditure

This alternative stresses that the spending is not required or essential.

rampant consumption

This alternative broadens the scope to include over-consumption of goods and services.

FAQs

How can I use "excessive spending" in a sentence?

You can use "excessive spending" to describe situations where money is being spent in a way that is considered unreasonable or wasteful. For example: "The company's "excessive spending" on office renovations raised concerns among employees".

What are some alternatives to "excessive spending"?

Alternatives include "overspending", "wasteful spending", or "extravagant expenditure depending on the context".

Is "excessive spending" always negative?

Yes, "excessive spending" generally carries a negative connotation, implying that resources are being used irresponsibly or without sufficient justification. It suggests a lack of financial discipline or poor management.

What's the difference between "excessive spending" and "investment"?

"Excessive spending" refers to unnecessary or wasteful expenses, while "investment" implies that money is being used strategically to generate future returns or benefits. The key distinction lies in the purpose and expected outcome of the expenditure.