the dregs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the dregs" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the remnants or the least desirable part of something, often in a negative context. Example: "After the party, all that was left were the dregs of the wine, which no one wanted to drink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's the dregs.

The New York Times - Style

He stirs up the dregs.

The Guardian - Books

The altar boys would drink the dregs.

The New York Times

In Barcelona, it was the dregs".

The New York Times - Magazine

The dregs were pure tincture of opium.

The New York Times - Science

It's the dregs of a war.

The Guardian

This was the dregs; he was at it.

The New Yorker

Multisensory perception remains as the dregs of that sensory soup.

The New Yorker

They don't fall to the dregs of the league anymore.

The New York Times - Sports

Animation used to be the dregs of the industry.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was like eating the dregs of the dishwasher.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the dregs" when you want to emphasize the undesirable nature of what remains, whether it's literal sediment or the worst aspects of a situation or group.

Common error

Avoid using "the dregs" in neutral or positive contexts. It carries a distinctly negative connotation, so it's inappropriate for describing valued remnants or positive aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the dregs" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically refers to the sediment or residue at the bottom of a container, or figuratively to the worst or most worthless parts of something. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is generally employed to denote undesirable elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the dregs" is a noun phrase used to describe the undesirable remnants or worst parts of something, whether literal sediment or figurative societal elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used, though it carries a negative connotation. Its primary function is to express a negative evaluation, and while its register is generally neutral, careful consideration should be given to the tone and audience, especially in more formal settings. Alternative phrases like "the residue" or "the worst part" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the worst part

Directly expresses the idea of the least desirable aspect of something.

the bottom of the barrel

An idiomatic expression for the worst or least desirable individuals or things.

the residue

Focuses on the remaining part after a process, similar to undesirable remnants.

the leftovers

Emphasizes what remains after something is finished, often with a negative connotation.

the remnants

Highlights the remaining pieces or traces, akin to the least desirable parts.

the scum

Emphasizes the worthless or contemptible nature of something, like the worst members of society.

the sediment

Specifically refers to the solid matter that settles at the bottom of a liquid, like "dregs" in wine.

the lees

A more technical term for sediment, especially in winemaking, closely related to the original meaning of "dregs".

the sweepings

Refers to things swept up, implying unwanted or discarded elements.

the scrapings

Implies collecting small, unwanted amounts, similar to the idea of undesirable remnants.

FAQs

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

"The dregs" is typically used to describe the least desirable part of something, either literally (like sediment in a drink) or figuratively (like the worst members of society). For example: "After the party, all that was left were "the dregs of the wine"." or "He was left with "the dregs of his party"".

What are some alternatives to "the dregs"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the remnants", "the residue", "the worst part", or "the bottom of the barrel".

Is it appropriate to use "the dregs" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "the dregs" carries a negative connotation and may be considered informal or overly emotive for some formal contexts. Consider the tone and audience when deciding whether to use it, or choose a more neutral alternative.

What's the difference between "the dregs" and "the leftovers"?

"The leftovers" simply refers to what remains after something, whereas "the dregs" specifically implies that what remains is undesirable or of poor quality. "The leftovers" might be perfectly good, but "the dregs" are inherently undesirable.