in the dumpster

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the dumpster" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something located in a dumpster, such as a discarded item. For example, "I found an old laptop in the dumpster behind the restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Just put it in the dumpster, Crystal".

The New Yorker

"Right in the dumpster," he said.

The New York Times

Instead it all ended up in the Dumpster.

The New York Times

"It will all go in the Dumpster," Ms. Heon said.

The New York Times - Arts

"Jeremy's the one that threw it in the Dumpster, and they're saying he acted alone.

The New Yorker

We toss several hundred dollars' worth in the Dumpster every week.

The New York Times

And the son-in-law, he take all the albums and put everything in the dumpster.

The New Yorker

Straight-armed, I waltzed them outside and dropped them in the Dumpster.

The New York Times

Anyway, nobody was in the Dumpster when they checked, they swore.

The New Yorker

When you had a flop record, you weren't just put in the dumpster.

The Guardian - Music

"I tell people it's O.K. to toss them in the Dumpster".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the dumpster" to vividly describe discarded items, situations, or ideas. It adds a sense of finality and worthlessness to the description.

Common error

While "in the dumpster" is a strong metaphor, avoid using it excessively. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms and vary your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the dumpster" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns by indicating location or state. It often conveys the idea of something being discarded, unwanted, or in a state of ruin, as shown in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the dumpster" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that effectively conveys the idea of something being discarded or ruined. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a wide range of contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it can be used literally to describe a physical location, it also serves as a powerful metaphor for failure or worthlessness. As seen in the provided examples, and according to Ludwig, numerous authoritative sources employ it to add emphasis and vividness to their writing. While versatile, overuse of this phrase can diminish its impact, so writers should consider synonyms like "in the garbage" or "discarded" to maintain variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the trash

Replaces "dumpster" with a more generic term for waste receptacle.

in the garbage

Similar to "in the trash", but emphasizes food waste or refuse.

discarded

Focuses on the act of throwing something away, omitting the specific location.

thrown away

Similar to "discarded", emphasizing the action of disposal.

in the waste bin

More formal alternative to "in the dumpster", suggesting a container for rubbish.

consigned to the scrap heap

Implies something has been rejected and sent to be recycled or destroyed.

in the reject pile

Refers to items that have been deemed unacceptable or faulty.

abandoned

Focuses on the act of leaving something behind, implying neglect or disuse.

in the landfill

Similar to "in the dumpster" but suggests a larger-scale disposal site.

left to rot

Suggests a state of decay and neglect, implying something has been left to deteriorate.

FAQs

How can I use "in the dumpster" in a sentence?

You can use "in the dumpster" to describe something that has been discarded, either literally or metaphorically. For example, "He threw the broken toy "in the dumpster"" or "His career was "in the dumpster" after the scandal".

What is a less literal way to use "in the dumpster"?

Figuratively, "in the dumpster" can describe something that is ruined, unwanted, or considered a failure. For example, "After that disastrous performance, his reputation was "in the dumpster"".

Which is more appropriate, "in the trash" or "in the dumpster"?

The choice depends on the context. "In the trash" is more general and suitable for everyday waste. "In the dumpster" implies a larger volume or more significant disposal, often for commercial or construction waste. Both phrases function similarly as "discarded".

What are some alternative phrases to "in the dumpster"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in the garbage", "discarded", or "thrown away". Each alternative maintains a similar meaning but with slightly different connotations.