idle pursuit

USAGE SUMMARY

"idle pursuit" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to something that is not important, useful, or worthwhile. For example, "Rather than study, he wasted his time on idle pursuits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It's no idle pursuit, either.

Independent

It was not an idle pursuit.

The New York Times

Collecting them is no idle pursuit, however.

The Economist

Still, calculating the zeros of zeta is not an idle pursuit.

The New York Times - Science

This kind of philosophy is not an idle pursuit but a crucial tool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As Freud wrote almost three decades later, "the study on coca was an ­allotrion" — an idle pursuit that distracts from serious responsibilities — "which I was eager to conclude".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Walking is the most harmless of idle pursuits, although in their day, Coleridge and Wordsworth's jaunts were seen as suspicious by the authorities.

The Guardian - Travel

Two of her three middle-aged children, Lucille and Lewis, live at home, catering to her cordially while following their own mostly idle pursuits.

The New York Times

As with many in fashion, Spencer's idle pursuits betray equal attention to high and low culture: he loves visiting London's National Trust buildings and playing Mario Kart on his Wii.

The New York Times

if it does not improve your thinking about the important questions of everyday life?" As powerfully as anything he ever said, Wittgenstein's life shows that philosophy is not an idle or foreign pursuit.

The New York Times - Books

Some of the definitions Johnson later entered under "vanity" in his Dictionary suggest the range of meaning of his title, including "emptiness," "uncertainty," "fruitless desire, fruitless endeavour," "empty pleasure; vain pursuit; idle show; unsubstantial enjoyment; petty object of pride," and "arrogance".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "idle pursuit" when you want to convey that an activity or interest is not worthwhile or lacks purpose. It's often used to criticize someone's unproductive use of time.

Common error

Avoid using "idle pursuit" when describing hobbies or activities that are genuinely enjoyable and provide relaxation or personal enrichment. "Idle pursuit" carries a negative connotation of being unproductive or pointless, unlike a leisurely activity that may be beneficial for well-being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "idle pursuit" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "idle" modifies the noun "pursuit". It describes an activity or interest that is considered aimless or unproductive. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is generally used to criticize a specific undertaking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "idle pursuit" is a noun phrase used to describe an activity or interest that is considered unproductive or aimless. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, typically conveying disapproval or criticism. While grammatically sound, it's important to use it judiciously, understanding its negative connotation. Related phrases include "useless endeavor" and "fruitless activity", offering alternative ways to express a similar sentiment. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase signifies a critical perspective on time management and priorities. When describing leisurely activities without judgement a more neutral term as "harmless pastime" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purposeless pursuit

Synonymously emphasizes the lack of a defined goal or aim.

useless endeavor

Replaces 'pursuit' with 'endeavor', emphasizing the effort's futility.

fruitless activity

Substitutes both 'idle' and 'pursuit' with 'fruitless' and 'activity', highlighting the lack of positive outcome.

pointless exercise

Replaces 'pursuit' with 'exercise', suggesting a futile action or task.

vain undertaking

Replaces 'pursuit' with 'undertaking', conveying a sense of arrogance or excessive pride in a futile effort.

empty pastime

Replaces 'pursuit' with 'pastime', focusing on the lack of substance in the activity.

futile quest

Replaces 'pursuit' with 'quest', emphasizing the ultimately unsuccessful nature of the search.

trivial occupation

Replaces 'pursuit' with 'occupation', highlighting the lack of importance or seriousness.

worthless endeavor

Emphasizes the lack of value or merit in the undertaking.

unproductive activity

Focuses on the lack of positive results or outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "idle pursuit" in a sentence?

You can use "idle pursuit" to describe an activity that is unproductive or a waste of time. For example: "He abandoned his responsibilities to engage in "idle pursuit"."

What's a less judgmental alternative to "idle pursuit"?

If you want to avoid sounding overly critical, you might use phrases like "leisure activity" or "pastime" which are more neutral.

Is "idle pursuit" always negative?

Yes, "idle pursuit" generally has a negative connotation. It suggests that the activity is not only unproductive but also potentially a distraction from more important tasks. A similar phrase like "harmless pastime" might be used when no judgement is needed.

What are some synonyms for "idle pursuit"?

Synonyms for "idle pursuit" include "fruitless activity", "pointless exercise", and "vain undertaking", all suggesting a lack of purpose or value.