reckless expenditure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reckless expenditure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe spending that is careless or without regard for the consequences, often in a financial context. Example: "The company's reckless expenditure on unnecessary luxury items led to significant financial losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

At the time, I was way too broke for this reckless expenditure.

The New York Times

In a fit of design intoxication, I plonked down $500 for a perfect black pencil skirt, a reckless expenditure that launched me into nosebleeding panic for months afterward.

The New York Times

He criticized the government of Mr. Museveni for what he called its "reckless expenditure," pointing to the recent purchase of fighter jets from Russia for about $720 million.

The New York Times

The modern imitations that accounted for the majority of the lots seemed sure to turn the session into a massive failure at a time when buyers, fearing an uncertain future, shun reckless expenditure.

The New York Times - Arts

Years of such corruption and tax evasion, coupled with reckless expenditure — as a share of G.D.P., for instance, Athens spent almost twice the E.U. average on military purchases — pushed the Greek state into massive budget shortfalls, prompting the government to borrow heavily.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Stay away from reckless spending.

WikiHow

A tortured construction of the Constitution is not to be justified by recourse to extreme examples of reckless congressional spending which might occur if courts could not prevent -- expenditures which, even if they could be thought to effect any national purpose, would be possible only by action of a legislature lost to all sense of public responsibility.

Cornell University

Tossing out millions of dollars of prevention programs that can save billions in health care expenditures and Medicare funds would be a reckless fall.

Huffington Post

A literally minded economist or non-economist might jump to the reckless conclusion that adjusting for the cyclical component would require eliminating expenditures on the increased payments to recently unemployed workers.

Huffington Post

Fifth, new government expenditures on complex matters are being designed on a hasty, reckless timetable.

The New York Times

The expenditure of time on a single bespoke house like Creek Vean was a reckless luxury.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing government or organizational finances, use "reckless expenditure" to convey a strong sense of mismanagement and lack of foresight. It is useful when you are trying to indicate a moral failing or breach of responsibility, not just an error in judgement.

Common error

Avoid using "reckless expenditure" when you mean a "risky investment". The former implies a careless disregard for consequences, while the latter suggests a calculated gamble with potential for high return. It's key to consider the intent and potential benefits, if any, of the spending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reckless expenditure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "reckless" modifies the noun "expenditure". It describes a type of spending characterized by a lack of care or consideration for the consequences. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reckless expenditure" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe spending characterized by irresponsibility and a lack of foresight. While considered rare in frequency, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, highlighting its function as a noun phrase used for criticism or condemnation of financial decisions. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a careless disregard for consequences, rather than simply a risky or failed investment. Alternatives such as "wasteful spending" or "irresponsible spending" may offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wasteful spending

Focuses on the unproductive or inefficient nature of the spending.

irresponsible spending

Emphasizes the lack of accountability or foresight in the spending habits.

extravagant spending

Highlights the lavish and unnecessary nature of the spending.

profligate spending

Suggests a moral failing in the excessive spending.

imprudent spending

Focuses on the lack of wisdom and caution in the financial decisions.

excessive spending

Directly points out the spending is beyond what is necessary or reasonable.

uncontrolled spending

Emphasizes the lack of management and regulation over the spending.

dissipative expenditure

Highlights the wasting nature of the expenditure. More formal.

unrestrained expenditure

Implies a lack of limits and boundaries in spending habits.

frivolous spending

Suggests the spending is on trivial and unimportant things.

FAQs

How can I use "reckless expenditure" in a sentence?

You can use "reckless expenditure" to describe situations where money is spent carelessly and irresponsibly, such as: "The government's "reckless expenditure" on luxury projects led to a budget deficit".

What are some alternatives to "reckless expenditure"?

Alternatives include "wasteful spending", "irresponsible spending", or "extravagant spending". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "reckless spending" the same as "reckless expenditure"?

While similar, "reckless spending" is a more general term. "Reckless expenditure" typically refers to a specific instance or act of spending, often in a more formal or official context. "Spending" itself is a general term, while "expenditure" indicates a formal and documented expense.

What is the difference between "reckless expenditure" and "poor investment"?

"Reckless expenditure" implies a careless and irresponsible use of funds, whereas "poor investment" suggests a bad financial decision that was made with the intention of gaining a return, but which ultimately failed. "Reckless expenditure" carries a stronger connotation of irresponsibility.