wasted time

USAGE SUMMARY

"wasted time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about time that has been spent without achieving anything worthwhile. For example: "The three hours I spent trying to troubleshoot the computer ended up being wasted time, as the issue was beyond my scope of knowledge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No wasted time in here".

The New York Times

Morocco wasted time.

The Guardian - Sport

I'd wasted time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And there's no wasted time.

The New York Times

wasted time in the game's final minute.

The New York Times - Sports

"All of that is wasted time.

The New York Times

But I wasted time being bitter.

The New York Times - Sports

These passengers measure wasted time in years.

The New York Times

I wasted time on top of money.

The Guardian

"Otherwise, she feels like she's wasted time".

The New York Times - Sports

It's a perfect confluence of wasted time".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing projects or tasks, be specific about how "wasted time" can be minimized or avoided. For example, propose strategies or tools that enhance efficiency and reduce unnecessary delays.

Common error

Avoid using "wasted time" when you actually mean time spent learning or building relationships, even if the immediate outcome isn't directly productive. Time used for personal growth or networking is usually "invested time", not "wasted time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wasted time" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a period during which no valuable or productive activity occurred. Ludwig examples demonstrate it's often used to express regret, frustration, or a desire for greater efficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wasted time" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express disapproval or regret over unproductive periods. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. To avoid "wasted time", set clear objectives and focus on efficient strategies. Be mindful not to confuse it with time spent on personal growth or building relationships, which is usually considered "invested time". By understanding its usage and connotations, you can effectively communicate your concerns about inefficiency and promote more productive habits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misspent time

Focuses on incorrect usage of the duration.

squandered moments

Emphasizes the lost opportunities during the time.

unproductive hours

Focuses on the lack of output or results during that time.

lost opportunities

Highlights the potential benefits missed due to the passage of time.

ineffectual duration

Highlights the lack of effectiveness during the period.

fruitless period

Emphasizes the absence of positive outcomes or results.

idle hours

Stresses the inactivity and lack of purpose during the time.

unavailing effort

Highlights how effort ended up being pointless.

abortive attempt

Emphasizes the failure to achieve desired result.

futile endeavor

Stresses the ultimate pointlessness of the undertaking.

FAQs

How can I avoid "wasted time" in meetings?

To minimize "wasted time" in meetings, set a clear agenda, stick to the allotted time for each topic, and ensure all attendees are prepared and focused. Discourage off-topic discussions and aim for actionable outcomes.

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

You can use alternatives like "squandered moments", "unproductive hours", or "misspent time" depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to consider time as "wasted time"?

While "wasted time" generally has a negative connotation, it can also be a valuable learning experience. Reflecting on "lost time" can help you identify inefficiencies and make better choices in the future.

How does "wasted time" differ from "leisure time"?

"Wasted time" implies that time was spent unproductively or without purpose, whereas "leisure time" refers to time dedicated to relaxation and enjoyment. The key difference is intentionality and perceived value.