waste of energy
8
2.9
- noun
- /weɪst əv ˈɛnərdʒi/
- It's a waste of energy, we agree, to change channels, so we watch whatever comes next.
- a complete waste of energy
- a waste of energy and resources
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Watch on YouTubeAnd if you try to control how someone else, you know, perceives you, it's a waste of energy.
- And if you try to control how someone else, you know, perceives you, it's a waste of energy.
Examples
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Patience is overrated, but impatience is a waste of energy that could be saved up and used at a later date.
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Fear is necessary, but spending the amount of time I sometimes spend is often a waste of energy.
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It's just a waste of energy.
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It's a waste of energy.
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What a waste of energy.
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So, while I may spend time wishing, it's a waste of energy I could be spending elsewhere.
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Isn't it a waste of energy?
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We both have faults; pointing fingers is a waste of energy.
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Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can't build on it; it's only for wallowing in.
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Fighting back would have been a complete waste of energy.
Synonyms
229
2.7
An activity that takes time but does not help you
48
4.3
A continuous loss of energy, money, or skilled workers
13
7.2
A task that has no chance of success
8
3.9
An activity that uses your time but does not help you
4
3.8
An action that uses time and energy but gives no useful result
1
4.4
An attempt that does not get what you want
1
4.3
A thing like time or money that is completely useless and gives no benefit
Antonyms
How Efficient
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly derived from the constituents: 'waste' (inefficient use) + 'of' + 'energy' (usable power), so a learner who knows those words can infer it refers to effort that consumes energy without useful result. The extension to mean a 'pointless action' is a predictable metaphorical shift and is cross-linguistically common, making the phrase immediately understandable to a B1 learner.
Etymology
Waste of energy comes from a simple image: the words waste and energy make us think of using up power like fuel but getting nothing back, like pushing a car that will not move. That's why it means an action that is 'pointless' or does not help.