worthless item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worthless item" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object that has no value or utility, often in a negative context. Example: "After the storm, I found a worthless item among the debris that had once been a cherished possession."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The symptom "worthless" (item E) was endorsed by a small minority of respondents, roughly 10% and, together with the symptom "hopeless" (item D) it was the most important contributor to the latent score of psychological distress.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The symptom "hopeless" (item D) was endorsed by a small minority of respondents, roughly 15% but, together with the symptom "worthless" (item E) it was the most important contributor to the latent score of psychological distress.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The symptoms least frequently endorsed by both men and women were feeling "hopeless" (item D) and "worthless" (item E); 3% to 8% of respondents reported feeling these symptoms some of the time or more in the past 30 days.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

A higher percent of women than of men reported feeling "so sad nothing could cheer you up" (item A: 16% vs. 9%), "nervous" (item B: 27% vs. 21%), "hopeless" (item D: 8% vs. 5%) and "worthless" (item E: 5% vs. 3%) some of the time, most of the time or all of the time in the past 30 days.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The K6 is a uni-dimensional scale made up of 6 items asking respondents how often during the past 30 days they felt: so sad that nothing could cheer them up (item A); nervous (item B); restless or fidgety (item C); hopeless (item D); worthless (item E); that everything was an effort (item F).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Try to find a nearly worthless item that approximates the weight and size of your camera.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He said: "The defendants were involved in selling effectively worthless items to the public.

The Guardian

Jones, the chief executive of the Community Service Society of New York, which works with low-income residents, said that soft-drink companies were selling "worthless items to poor communities".

The New York Times

The obvious solution — to deaccession the relatively worthless items — has been blocked, however, by clauses in Colonel Friedsam's will that require the museum to obtain permission from the estate's executors.

The New York Times

The obvious solution — to deaccession (to sell or give away) the relatively worthless items — has been blocked, however, by clauses in Colonel Friedsam's will that require the museum to obtain permission from the estate's executors.

The New York Times - Arts

Explain for each pair, what makes one less expensive than the other (materials, production cost, etc).. 2. In keeping with James Zemaitis' humble beginnings, start a collection of seemingly worthless items, such as Snapple caps, soda cans, or even your school's office passes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as a "worthless item", consider whether a more specific term might be more impactful. For example, instead of a "worthless item", is it trash, junk, or debris?

Common error

While "worthless item" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your content seem less professional. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like 'valueless asset' or 'insignificant object'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worthless item" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "worthless" modifies the noun "item". This phrase typically serves to describe something that has no value, either monetary or practical. Ludwig's examples indicate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worthless item" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to depict objects lacking value or utility. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and illustrates its usage across various contexts. While frequently found in news, scientific, and wiki domains, its register leans towards neutral to informal. For formal settings, synonyms like "valueless object" or "insignificant object" might be more appropriate. When using the phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and whether a more descriptive term would be more effective. Avoid overusing "worthless item" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

useless object

Focuses on the lack of utility or function of the item.

valueless object

Emphasizes the absence of monetary or intrinsic value.

good-for-nothing item

Suggests the item not only lacks value but also fails to serve any purpose.

insignificant object

Highlights the object's lack of importance or consequence.

unimportant object

Stresses the lack of relevance or significance of the item.

throwaway item

Implies the item is intended to be discarded after use.

disposable item

Similar to 'throwaway', but focuses on the item's design for single use.

trivial object

Indicates the item is of little consequence or importance.

meaningless item

Emphasizes the lack of purpose or significance associated with the item.

inconsequential object

Highlights the object's lack of impact or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "worthless item" in a sentence?

You can use "worthless item" to describe something lacking value or utility, such as, "After the garage sale, we were left with several "worthless items" no one wanted."

What can I say instead of "worthless item"?

Alternatives for "worthless item" include "useless object", "valueless object", or "insignificant object", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "worthless item" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "worthless item" may sound informal. For formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "valueless asset" or "insignificant object" for a more polished tone.

What is the difference between "worthless item" and "useless object"?

"Worthless item" emphasizes the lack of monetary or intrinsic value, while "useless object" highlights the inability to serve a practical purpose. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.