it is not worthwhile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not worthwhile" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something does not have enough value or benefit to justify the effort or cost involved. Example: "After considering the time and resources required, I concluded that it is not worthwhile to pursue that project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It is not worthwhile solving the problems optimally: solution quality is decision-theoretically traded off against computation cost.

Artificial Intelligence

"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

e5, it is not worthwhile for White to play 14 Be5 Qg5 14 f4 Be3 14 Kb14Bf4.

The New York Times - Arts

"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

I ran across this passage yesterday, from Kierkegaard's "Fear and Trembling": "It is not worthwhile to remember that past which cannot become a present".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Schmidt has previously stated that it isn't worthwhile to buy traffic in the form of acquisitions, but he is a staunch supporter of partnerships.

Forbes

For years, I've figured out that it isn't worthwhile to trade, especially in the U.S. markets with the taxes that apply.

Forbes

The money has been paid out to approximately 1000 developers that have used SocialMedia's ad platform across 5000 applications (the money has not been evenly distributed, so it isn't worthwhile to look at the average).

TechCrunch

And not if it isn't worthwhile, not just to please you because you say you really want it, and if I know that it will only make you more ill".

BMJ Open

Feeling a little... ordinary... can make you feel like it isn't worthwhile to care about the feelings of others.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When deciding whether to use "it is not worthwhile", carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks. Quantify the costs and gains where possible to make a more informed decision.

Common error

Avoid using "it is not worthwhile" when a more specific and descriptive phrase would better convey the reason for inaction. For example, instead of saying "it is not worthwhile to invest in that company", specify why: "it is not worthwhile to invest in that company due to its high debt and declining market share."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not worthwhile" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, expressing a judgment about the value or utility of a particular action or situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not worthwhile" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey that something lacks sufficient value or benefit to justify the effort or cost. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse sources like news, science, and encyclopedias. While it can be considered slightly formal, it serves a practical purpose in decision-making and evaluation. Alternatives such as "it is pointless" or "it is not worth the effort" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use the phrase when a clear cost-benefit analysis suggests that the effort outweighs the potential gains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not worth the effort

Specifically mentions the exertion required not being justified by the outcome.

it is not worth the trouble

Focuses on the inconvenience and difficulty outweighing the potential reward.

it is pointless

Emphasizes the lack of purpose or value in pursuing something.

it is a waste of time

Highlights the unproductive nature of an activity.

it is futile

Highlights the ineffectiveness and lack of success associated with an action.

it is not beneficial

Focuses on the lack of positive outcomes or advantages.

it is no use

Suggests that there's no benefit or advantage in trying something.

it is not advantageous

Indicates a lack of benefit or gain.

it is counterproductive

Implies that the action will have the opposite of the desired effect.

it is not practical

Suggests that the action is not feasible or realistic.

FAQs

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

Use "it is not worthwhile" to express that an action or endeavor does not have enough value or benefit to justify the effort, cost, or risk involved. For example, "After considering the potential risks, we decided "it is not worthwhile" to pursue the project further."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is pointless", "it is futile", or "it is not worth the effort" depending on the context.

Is "it is not worthwhile" formal or informal?

"It is not worthwhile" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very informal contexts, phrases like "it's not worth it" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it is not worthwhile" and "it is not worth it"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "it is not worthwhile" is often used when a more detailed explanation or justification is implied or provided. "It is not worth it" is a more general and concise expression.