to be squandered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be squandered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is wasted or used inefficiently, often referring to resources, time, or opportunities. Example: "The funds allocated for the project were at risk of being squandered if not managed properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Government authority is not to be squandered.

The Guardian - Opinion

"These days are not to be squandered".

The New York Times

As things stand, it seems likely to be squandered.

The Economist

"Everything had to be squandered, including his victory".

The New Yorker

America's influence is too precious to be squandered in fits of narrow ideological pique.

The New Yorker

What happened to the rest of the team, causing Santana's masterful pitching to be squandered?

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Nurturing a child is considered to be squandering the time and talent of the educated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then there is the threat of bad publicity if a corporation is perceived to be squandering precious local water.

The New York Times

We don't want to be squandering money to provide health insurance for those who can afford to do it for themselves".

The New York Times

The Red Storm appeared to be squandering an opportunity to reach the Round of 16 in the 64-team N.C.A.A. tournament for the first time.

The New York Times - Sports

Shortly after the events of 9/11, I began agonizing over how President Bush seemed to be squandering the good will and support that the event generated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be squandered" when you want to emphasize that something valuable is being wasted through carelessness or lack of proper management. It suggests a loss that could have been avoided with better stewardship.

Common error

While "to be squandered" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in very casual or informal settings. Simpler terms like "wasted" or "lost" may be more appropriate in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be squandered" functions as a passive infinitive, typically used to describe something (resource, opportunity, etc.) that is at risk of being wasted or used ineffectively. Ludwig examples show a wide range of applications, from financial resources to opportunities and talents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be squandered" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to caution against wasting valuable resources, opportunities, or talents. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sees wide application across diverse fields, prominently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When writing, reserve this phrase for situations where you want to convey a sense of potential loss due to mismanagement. Alternatives like "to be wasted" or "to be misused" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing to add emphasis and encourage responsible use of resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be wasted

This alternative directly implies inefficient or careless use, focusing on the lack of value derived.

to be misused

This suggests an incorrect or inappropriate application, implying a violation of intended purpose.

to be forfeited

This implies a loss of something due to a rule, error, or failing to meet a condition.

to be lost

This simply indicates something is no longer available or retrievable, without necessarily implying fault.

to be ruined

This suggests damage or destruction to the point of uselessness.

to be dissipated

This conveys the idea of something being scattered or spread out, leading to a loss of concentration or effectiveness.

to be frittered away

This emphasizes the gradual and foolish wasting of resources, often on trivial things.

to be consumed

This implies utilization to the point of depletion, often by a destructive force.

to be depleted

This focuses on the reduction of a resource to a dangerously low level.

to be exhausted

This implies complete consumption or use, leaving nothing remaining.

FAQs

How can I use "to be squandered" in a sentence?

You can use "to be squandered" to describe resources, opportunities, or talents that are being wasted. For example: "The opportunity should not "to be wasted"."

What is a synonym for "to be squandered"?

Synonyms include "to be wasted", "to be misused", or "to be lost", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say 'squander' or 'squander away'?

Both "squander" and "squander away" are correct, but "squander" is generally more concise. "Squander away" emphasizes the complete and often careless dissipation of something.

What's the difference between "to be squandered" and "to be depreciated"?

"To be squandered" implies wasteful use or mismanagement, while "to be depreciated" refers to a decrease in value over time, often due to wear and tear or market conditions.