time wasted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time wasted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to time that has been spent unproductively or without achieving any meaningful results. Example: "I feel like all those hours spent in meetings were just time wasted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Time (wasted) is brain (lost).

The New York Times

More accurately: Time wasted is brain lost.

The New York Times

It was not time wasted.

The New York Times

The time wasted was infuriating.

The Guardian - Money

The English lesson was meticulously planned, with no time wasted.

The New York Times

They watched for waste — wasted food, wasted time, wasted effort.

The New Yorker

"I said: 'I don't want my time wasted.

The New York Times

That's 500 minutes of doctor time wasted every single week.

The Guardian

For the bulls, that is so much time wasted.

The New York Times - Books

The time wasted writing articles that will never be read cannot be spent teaching.

The Economist

Today, Everett says that his three years in the jungle were hardly time wasted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, use "time wasted" to address areas of process improvement and resource optimization.

Common error

Avoid using "time wasted" in overly broad statements without specific context. Instead, provide concrete examples or quantifiable data to support your claim and make it more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time wasted" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a period of time that has been spent ineffectively or without achieving a desired outcome. Ludwig's examples show that it is often used to express regret or frustration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time wasted" is a common noun phrase used to describe time spent unproductively. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science and informal conversation. While the phrase carries a negative connotation, it can also serve as a catalyst for positive change by highlighting inefficiencies. When using this phrase, ensure it's supported by specific examples to enhance its impact. Consider alternatives such as "time squandered" or "time lost" to subtly adjust the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time squandered

Implies time was carelessly or foolishly spent.

time lost

Focuses on the irretrievable aspect of the spent time.

time misspent

Suggests time was used in a bad or inappropriate way.

unproductive time

Highlights the lack of output or results during that time.

wasted moments

Emphasizes the individual instances of wasted time.

fruitless hours

Focuses on the lack of positive outcomes after spending hours.

time down the drain

An idiomatic expression indicating time that has been completely lost or ineffectively used with no benefit.

ineffective hours

Highlights the lack of effective results and productive outcome.

futile time

Indicates time spent that was pointless or of no use.

idle hours

Suggests time spent in inactivity and laziness.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "time wasted"?

Alternatives to "time wasted" include "time lost", "time squandered", or "unproductive time", each carrying slightly different connotations.

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

You can use "time wasted" to describe situations where time was not used efficiently or effectively. For example, "The meeting was a complete waste of time, I feel like it was just "time wasted""."

What is the difference between "time wasted" and "opportunity lost"?

"Time wasted" refers directly to unproductive time, while "opportunity lost" implies that a chance for a beneficial outcome was missed. While related, the first focuses on inefficiency, the second on unrealized potential.

Is it always negative to say "time wasted"?

Yes, the phrase "time wasted" inherently carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the time spent was not valuable or productive. However, recognizing "time wasted" can be a positive step toward improving efficiency and productivity in the future.