wasting effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wasting effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where time or resources are being used ineffectively or unproductively. Example: "Trying to convince him to change his mind is just wasting effort; he is set in his ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Not wasting effort on small, underpowered studies is a laudable aim.

The Economist

If the gains made in the 1990s are to be extended into more countries that suffer from abject poverty, arbitrary rule or chaos, countries that contain most of the world's population, then Europe and America need to stop wasting effort squabbling with each other.The author is not naive enough to believe that the further spread of freedom will be rapid or easy.

The Economist

This prevents the developer from wasting effort in re-implementing functionally equivalent components, and provides context on the common model of service types that are currently used in the network.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Third, you're teaching your own management, through repetition, that they too should seek out and punish people overseeing incompetence and wasting effort.

Huffington Post

To avoid wasting effort and "the goodwill" of clinicians and clients, careful approaches to ROM implementation are needed.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

If we do not, we run the risk of wasting efforts and ignoring real barriers.

CBE Life Sciences Education

It was a wasted effort.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Much of this is wasted effort.

The New York Times - Books

Otherwise, it's all a wasted effort.

The New York Times

It was a gargantuan but wasted effort.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wasting effort", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific resources or energy are being used ineffectively. Be explicit to strengthen your argument or observation.

Common error

Avoid using "wasting effort" in very casual conversations; simpler phrases like "not worth it" or "a waste of time" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wasting effort" primarily functions as a verbal phrase acting as a noun modifier, indicating a situation where effort is being expended without achieving a worthwhile outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wasting effort" is a grammatically correct way to describe situations where time, energy, or resources are being used ineffectively. Ludwig AI validates its use across different contexts, primarily news and scientific domains, though it remains a relatively rare expression. When writing, it’s important to consider the specific resources being wasted to strengthen your point and avoid overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "squandering resources" or "futile attempt" might offer a more precise or impactful way to convey your message, depending on the nuance you aim to achieve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

squandering resources

Focuses on the misuse of resources, implying a careless or extravagant waste.

misapplying energy

Emphasizes the incorrect or inefficient application of energy or effort.

fruitless endeavor

Highlights the lack of positive outcome from an attempt or activity.

futile attempt

Indicates an action that is incapable of producing any useful result.

unproductive activity

Directly describes an activity that does not yield significant results.

ineffective use of time

Pinpoints the inefficient or wasteful use of time.

pointless exercise

Suggests that the activity lacks a clear or valuable purpose.

abortive attempt

Describes an effort that fails to come to completion or produce the intended result.

idle pursuit

Implies an activity that is frivolous and lacks serious purpose.

vain pursuit

Highlights the futility of the effort in achieving a desired outcome.

FAQs

What does "wasting effort" mean?

The phrase "wasting effort" refers to using time, energy, or resources in a way that doesn't produce worthwhile results or benefits. It implies inefficiency and a lack of productivity.

What can I say instead of "wasting effort"?

You can use alternatives like "squandering resources", "futile attempt", or "unproductive activity" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "wasting effort" or "wasted effort"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Wasting effort" is a continuous action, while "wasted effort" refers to an effort that has already been expended without success. Choose the one that best fits the tense and meaning you want to convey.

How to use "wasting effort" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "Trying to fix that old computer is like "wasting effort"; it's beyond repair."