sheer waste

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer waste" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely or utterly wasteful, often in terms of resources, time, or effort. Example: "The project turned out to be a sheer waste of money and manpower, leaving the team frustrated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It is sheer waste.

The Guardian - Opinion

The sheer waste of it had me in tears.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The sheer waste is bad enough, a mindless squandering of calories, nutrition, energy and water.

The New York Times

And frankly speaking, I believe that the Tri‑Series that we played was a sheer waste of time and energy".

The Guardian - Sport

Seen as sheer waste, potlatch horrified western colonisers and ended up illegal for much of the 20th century.

The Guardian - Music

The sheer waste of it all is going to kill us, and it's all the fault of the fashion industry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

That is what historians will note most about Mr. Bush's tenure — the sheer wasted opportunity of it all.

The New York Times

Perhaps it's the pleasure of sheer pointless waste, like driving an S.U.V. on the Long Island Expressway.

The New York Times

We've reported on the sheer volume of waste we create ― America produced 15.1 million tons of textile waste in 2013, and 85percentt of it ended up in landfills.

Huffington Post

This may strike some as sheer folly, a waste of time and foamcore.

The New York Times

"The sheer amount of waste and sewage that is dumped into the city has obliterated the river.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sheer waste", clearly specify what is being wasted (e.g., time, money, resources) to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer waste" excessively in casual conversation; more informal terms might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer waste" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object. It emphasizes the degree or extent of the waste, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sheer waste" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase, used to denote a complete or utter waste of resources. Analysis of Ludwig's examples indicates that this phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, "sheer waste" is correct and usable in written English, functioning to express disapproval or regret over misused resources. Consider using alternatives like "absolute waste" or "total waste" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolute waste

Emphasizes the completeness of the waste.

total waste

Highlights the entirety of the wasted resource or effort.

utter waste

Stresses the extent to which something is wasted.

complete waste

Focuses on the comprehensive nature of the waste.

pure waste

Indicates that there's nothing but waste involved.

unmitigated waste

Suggests the waste is not lessened or excused by anything.

arrant waste

Emphasizes the undeniable and blatant nature of the waste.

blatant waste

Highlights the obviousness of the waste.

egregious waste

Points to a waste that is shockingly bad.

excessive waste

Focuses on the wasteful action happening in a higher degree than necessary.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer waste" in a sentence?

"Sheer waste" is used to emphasize the extent to which something is being wasted. For example, "The project was a "sheer waste" of time and resources."

What are some alternatives to "sheer waste"?

Alternatives include "absolute waste", "total waste", or "utter waste". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a sheer waste" or simply "sheer waste"?

While grammatically, adding "a" before "sheer waste" isn't incorrect, the phrase is most often used without the article, as in "That was "sheer waste"."

What's the difference between "sheer waste" and "negligence"?

"Sheer waste" refers to the act of using something carelessly or extravagantly. "Negligence", on the other hand, implies a failure to exercise reasonable care, which may or may not result in waste. They are related, but not interchangeable concepts.