time sink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time sink" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe an activity or task that consumes a lot of time without yielding significant results. Example: "Scrolling through social media can be a major time sink." Alternative expressions include "time waster" and "time drain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

A time sink.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's a time sink.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I hope not, because it's a huge time sink.

The New Yorker

"It's been a massive time sink in the office," admits Rutter.

The Guardian - Tech

It's a hateful time sink for the most part and very inefficient.

The Guardian

As stated above, we experimented a great deal - and experimentation of course is a major time sink.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Any action, in the fullness of time, sinks to nothing".

The Guardian - Books

Time sinks can prove insidious.

Forbes

E-mail and Internet surfing are time sinks.

Science Magazine

The real competition, he says, are platforms like YouTube and other time sinks for content creators.

TechCrunch

Both services are essentially time sinks designed in both cases to stroke the souls of thousands of lonely people.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time sink" to succinctly identify habitual behaviors (like excessive social media use) that detract from productive work or personal goals.

Common error

Don't assume every enjoyable activity that takes time is a "time sink". A "time sink" specifically implies a disproportionate investment of time relative to the value gained. Procrastination, on the other hand, is the avoidance of necessary tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time sink" functions as a noun, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies something that consumes considerable time without providing proportional value. As shown in Ludwig, it is used to describe various activities, from social media to unproductive meetings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

TechCrunch

32%

Science Magazine

16%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Vice

2%

Huffington Post

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time sink" effectively labels activities that consume excessive time relative to their value. As Ludwig's analysis shows, it is grammatically correct, commonly used in News & Media, and serves to highlight inefficiency. While alternatives like ""waste of time"" exist, "time sink" offers a succinct way to identify unproductive endeavors. Avoid misinterpreting it as simple procrastination, as a "time sink" denotes a disproportionate time investment. With its neutral register, this phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waste of time

This alternative directly describes something that doesn't produce valuable results.

time-consuming activity

Focuses on the length of time an activity requires.

drain on time

Emphasizes the way time is depleted by something.

productivity killer

Highlights the negative impact on productivity.

energy sapper

Shifts the focus to the energy consumed, in addition to time.

fruitless endeavor

Highlights the lack of positive outcomes.

inefficient process

Focuses on the lack of efficiency in the task.

bottomless pit of time

Emphasizes the seemingly endless time consumption.

black hole of productivity

Uses a metaphor to describe something that sucks up productivity.

endless rabbit hole

Suggests getting lost in something that consumes time without a clear end.

FAQs

How can I use "time sink" in a sentence?

"Time sink" can be used to describe activities or tasks that consume a lot of time without providing significant value. For example, "Meetings without a clear agenda can be a major time sink."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "time sink"?

Alternatives to "time sink" include "waste of time", "time-consuming activity", or "drain on time", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "time sink" in formal writing?

Yes, "time sink" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its meaning is clear and widely understood, making it suitable for various contexts.

What's the difference between a "time sink" and procrastination?

A "time sink" is any activity that consumes a disproportionate amount of time relative to its value, while procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks. A "time sink" may or may not involve procrastination.