frivolous spending

USAGE SUMMARY

'frivolous spending' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an instance when someone is spending money without any thought or planning. For example: "Her frivolous spending caused her to quickly run out of money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

That's not frivolous spending.

The Guardian - Money

Much was washed away through his drinking and frivolous spending.

Independent

"The days of frivolous spending or buying stuff that's disposable have gone away," he said.

The New York Times

Frith has numerous other examples of what she says was frivolous spending of leaseholders' money.

The Guardian - Money

So to make an impact, we decided to reduce discretionary spending by fifty per cent and frivolous spending by eighty-five per cent".

The New Yorker

Another one was banned and slammed today for encouraging consumers to take out an expensive short-term loan for frivolous spending.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"There really hasn't been a time when we've been quite that frivolous in spending money.

The New York Times

The new death duties were enacted over the opposition of Rosebery and Gladstone, who believed that easily increased taxes would encourage frivolous governmental spending.

Encyclopedia Britannica

BUSINESS DAY, PAGE C1 William Proxmire Dies A Democratic senator from Wisconsin for 32 years who battled what he believed to be frivolous government spending, he was 90.

The New York Times

I simply do not and have never understood how legislators could pay paltry wages in an effort to gain public support for not being deemed frivolous regarding spending?

Huffington Post

Like the notorious and brutally misinterpreted "shrimp on a treadmill" study, the notion of subsidizing a rendezvous of rhyming cowboys perfectly showcased their claims of frivolous federal spending.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial responsibility, clearly define what constitutes "frivolous spending" in your context, as perceptions can vary.

Common error

Avoid broadly labeling all non-essential purchases as "frivolous spending". Consider the emotional or psychological value such purchases may hold for individuals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frivolous spending" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a type of expenditure. According to Ludwig, this expression is acceptable in written English and is commonly used in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frivolous spending" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes unnecessary or wasteful expenditure. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While the phrase is neutral in tone, its purpose is often to criticize or caution against such spending. It is frequently found in news and media sources, highlighting its relevance in discussions about personal finance and economic responsibility. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and ensure a clear understanding of what constitutes "frivolous spending" to avoid overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wasteful expenditure

Emphasizes the aspect of unnecessary waste in spending.

extravagant spending

Highlights the excessive and luxurious nature of the spending.

unnecessary expenses

Focuses on the lack of need for the spending.

irresponsible expenditure

Stresses the lack of responsibility in how money is spent.

prodigal spending

Implies a reckless and wasteful use of resources.

gratuitous expenses

Highlights that the expenses are uncalled for or unwarranted.

superfluous expenses

Highlights that the expenses are unnecessary.

reckless outlays

Emphasizes the lack of caution in spending habits.

dissipation of funds

Focuses on how funds are being squandered.

needless purchases

Highlights the lack of a real need for the items purchased.

FAQs

What does "frivolous spending" mean?

"Frivolous spending" refers to spending money on things that are not necessary or important, often for pleasure or enjoyment. It implies a lack of serious purpose or value in the expenditure.

How can I identify "frivolous spending" in my budget?

Review your spending habits and categorize expenses. "Frivolous spending" often falls under categories like entertainment, dining out, or impulse purchases. Anything you can cut without significantly impacting your well-being might be considered "unnecessary expenses".

What are some alternatives to saying "frivolous spending"?

You can use alternatives like "wasteful expenditure", "extravagant spending", or "unnecessary expenses", depending on the context.

Is all discretionary spending considered "frivolous spending"?

Not necessarily. Discretionary spending includes all non-essential spending, but some of it may be valuable for leisure, hobbies, or personal growth. "Frivolous spending" usually implies that the spending is wasteful or without significant value.