frivolous work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frivolous work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe tasks or activities that are considered trivial, unimportant, or lacking in seriousness. Example: "While some may find value in their hobbies, others view them as merely frivolous work that distracts from more important responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Reporting on parties was not frivolous work to either Mrs. Spiro or the newspaper that employed her.

The New York Times

Many Arab writers saw "A Thousand and One Nights" — revered as a masterpiece in the West — as a frivolous work unworthy of their emulation.

The New York Times - Books

A sidebar involving Eddie with a big-time military contractor puts him in the face of a challenge — the confrontation of Hollywood's "make-believe" with real life, of his "frivolous" work with "serious" businesses, of military might versus what ultimately will become known as soft power.

The New Yorker

A sidebar involving Eddie with a big-time military contractor puts him in the face of a challenge the confrontation of Hollywood's "make-believe" with real life, of his "frivolous" work with "serious" businesses, of military might versus what ultimately will become known as soft power.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In preferring Cherubini, Mr. Rousset is in good company: Beethoven was a huge admirer of Cherubini and much preferred his opera to those frivolous works by Mozart with librettos by Lorenzo da Ponte.

The New York Times

Everybody in Verbier seemed to have heard early on that Ms. Argerich was arriving later than the other pianists, and that she had decided at the last minute to drop out of part of the gala program, the part that entailed 16-hand transcriptions of Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" and other, even more frivolous works.

The New York Times - Arts

"Shadows" and "Song" are part of a trio of playlets that Coward wrote, with a far more frivolous, satiric work, "Come Into the Garden, Maud," designed to alternate with "Shadows" as a companion piece to "Song".

The New York Times

From offstage revelries at the start, to the riddle of the caskets, with Portia's suitors, and the deception involving the wedding rings, both played out in the manner of opera buffa, Mr. Corley's notions about frivolous people work to good comic effect.

The New York Times

Beethoven considered the work frivolous, and Wagner found it effete.

The New York Times - Arts

He found the work frivolous and his superiors out of touch.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many Japanese above the age of 45 find Murakami's work frivolous and lacking in social or political content.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "frivolous work", ensure the context clearly indicates that the task or activity in question lacks importance or seriousness. This helps avoid misinterpretations and ensures your intended meaning is conveyed effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "frivolous work" in highly formal or professional settings where a more neutral or objective term might be more appropriate. Instead, consider using phrases like "non-essential tasks" or "lower-priority duties" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frivolous work" functions as a descriptive term, modifying the noun "work" with the adjective "frivolous". According to Ludwig AI, it's deemed grammatically correct, portraying tasks or endeavors as being of little importance or lacking seriousness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "frivolous work" is used to describe tasks or activities considered unimportant or lacking in seriousness. While grammatically correct, its frequency is rare, mainly appearing in news and academic contexts. When writing, be mindful of the subtle negative tone it carries. It is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI, which confirms its usability in written English. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "non-essential tasks" or "lower-priority duties" in formal or professional settings. Also note that a plethora of alternative formulations exists, each one with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frivolous endeavor

Synonymous with "frivolous work", emphasizing the lack of seriousness in the effort.

trivial task

Focuses on the insignificance of the task itself.

unimportant activity

Highlights the lack of importance associated with the activity.

insignificant labor

Emphasizes the lack of consequence in the work performed.

idle pursuit

Suggests a lack of purpose or direction in the activity.

non-essential duty

Indicates that the duty is not critical or required.

pointless endeavor

Conveys a sense of futility or lack of value in the undertaking.

meaningless occupation

Highlights the absence of significance or purpose in the occupation.

worthless effort

Focuses on the lack of value or benefit derived from the effort.

minor undertaking

Suggests the small scale and limited scope of the undertaking.

FAQs

How can I use "frivolous work" in a sentence?

"Frivolous work" can be used to describe tasks that are not serious or important, such as, "Some consider social media updates to be "frivolous work", while others see it as a vital form of communication".

What is another way to say "frivolous work"?

Alternatives to "frivolous work" include "trivial task", "unimportant activity", or "insignificant labor". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to describe hobbies as "frivolous work"?

Describing hobbies as "frivolous work" depends on your perspective. While some may find value in their hobbies, others might view them as "frivolous work" that distracts from more important responsibilities. It is important to choose the term depending on the context.

What's the difference between "frivolous work" and "necessary work"?

"Frivolous work" refers to tasks that lack importance or necessity, while "necessary work" describes tasks that are essential or required. One could say, "Cleaning the office is "necessary work", however, the team building activity they planned after is "frivolous work"".