is not worthwhile

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not worthwhile" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when a task, decision, or activity is not considered to be useful or beneficial. For example: "Time spent studying for this test is not worthwhile; I know I won't do well no matter how hard I try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Life is not worthwhile without it.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is not to say that life is not worthwhile.

The Guardian - Opinion

The idea that breast self-examination is not worthwhile really defies logic.

The New York Times - Health

Arguing about architecture if the bricks are not there is not worthwhile.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In our judgment it is not worthwhile to have meetings for meetings' sake".

The New York Times

They hope invaders will see the type of army the Swiss have and decide it is not worthwhile to invade.

The New Yorker

Those who agree with the inventors James Watt and Richard Arkwright, who wrote in a manuscript that "an engineer's life without patent is not worthwhile," will cheer.

The New York Times - Books

"One thing is for sure, a World Cup without me is nothing to watch so it is not worthwhile to wait for the World Cup.

Independent

The current conclusion, Mr. Croff said, is that maintaining the stockpile "is not worthwhile," but he said it might be time for an independent review.

The New York Times

MINNEAPOLIS With talented teams like No. 4 Boston College, No. 6 Oklahoma and No. 7 Georgetown lurking, picking the top-seeded teams is not worthwhile.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But that is not to say that an MBA even one that is not ranked in US News's top five is not worthwhile.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not worthwhile", ensure that the context clearly explains why something lacks value. Providing specific reasons strengthens your argument and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is not worthwhile" without providing supporting evidence or reasons. Back up your assertion with specific details to make your argument more convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not worthwhile" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as lacking value or benefit. Ludwig provides examples showing its use to express that an action or investment is unlikely to yield positive results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not worthwhile" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating that something lacks value or benefit, according to Ludwig. Its primary function is to convey a negative evaluation, discouraging investment or engagement. While its register is generally neutral, it finds common application in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides real-world examples showcasing its usage. Related phrases, such as "is pointless" or "is unproductive", offer alternative ways to express a similar sentiment. When using "is not worthwhile", it's best practice to provide clear reasons to support the claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is of no value

Directly states that something has no worth.

is not beneficial

Directly states the lack of positive impact.

is pointless

Emphasizes the lack of purpose or meaning.

is not useful

Indicates the absence of practical application.

is a waste of time

Highlights the inefficient use of time.

is not advantageous

Highlights the absence of benefits or gains.

is ineffective

Stresses the failure to achieve the desired result.

is not fruitful

Emphasizes the lack of positive results or outcomes.

is unproductive

Focuses on the lack of positive outcome or output.

does not pay off

Focuses on the lack of return on investment or effort.

FAQs

What does "is not worthwhile" mean?

The phrase "is not worthwhile" means that something is not worth the time, effort, or resources required to pursue it because the expected benefits or outcomes are minimal or nonexistent.

How can I use "is not worthwhile" in a sentence?

You can use "is not worthwhile" to express that an activity or investment is unlikely to yield positive results. For example, "Investing in that company now "is not worthwhile" given its current financial struggles."

What are some alternatives to saying "is not worthwhile"?

Alternatives to "is not worthwhile" include phrases like "is pointless", "is unproductive", "is not beneficial", or "is a waste of time", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "is not worthwhile" or "is not worth it"?

Both "is not worthwhile" and "is not worth it" are acceptable, but "is not worthwhile" tends to be more formal. "Is not worth it" is more common in casual conversation, while "is not worthwhile" is suitable for more formal writing or speech.