waste of money

Meaning

This phrase is used to describe something that is not worth the money spent on it, or a purchase that is useless, unnecessary, or of poor quality. It carries a critical, disappointed, or sometimes annoyed tone.

Examples

• Don't buy that cheap umbrella; it will break immediately and is a total waste of money.

  Don't buy that cheap umbrella; it will break immediately and is a total waste of money.

• Buying a gym membership that you never use is just a waste of money.

  Buying a gym membership that you never use is just a waste of money.

• He realized that upgrading his phone every year was a waste of money.

  He realized that upgrading his phone every year was a waste of money.

• The movie was so boring that buying the tickets felt like a complete waste of money.

  The movie was so boring that buying the tickets felt like a complete waste of money.

• Some people think extended warranties are a waste of money, while others like the peace of mind.

  Some people think extended warranties are a waste of money, while others like the peace of mind.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ It is a money waste to buy things you don't need.

  ✓ It is a waste of money to buy things you don't need.

  'Money waste' is a literal translation from other languages. The correct English idiom is always 'a waste of money'.

• ✗ That expensive dinner was waste of money.

  ✓ That expensive dinner was a waste of money.

  When using 'waste of money' as a noun phrase after 'to be', you must include the indefinite article 'a'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Buying designer clothes for a baby is a complete ___ because they outgrow them so fast.

  💡 A useless expenditure

  Show answer

  waste of money

• I regret buying this kitchen gadget; it is just a ___.

  💡 Not worth the price paid

  Show answer

  waste of money