A waste of space
noun phrase
Someone or something that is not worth the space they occupy or the resources they consume. Used to describe a useless person, thing, or action.
He never contributes anything to the team, he's such a waste of space.
Often appears as...
- you're a waste of space
- such a waste of space
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
noun phrase
An act or behavior that is unproductive, ineffective, or meaningless, and therefore considered a waste of time and effort.
Her constant complaining is a waste of space—we could be using that energy more productively.
Often appears as...
- a waste of mental space
- that's a waste of space
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun phrase
Someone or something that is not worth the space they occupy or the resources they consume. Used to describe a useless person, thing, or action.
He never contributes anything to the team, he's such a waste of space.
Often appears as...
- you're a waste of space
- such a waste of space
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
noun phrase
An act or behavior that is unproductive, ineffective, or meaningless, and therefore considered a waste of time and effort.
Her constant complaining is a waste of space—we could be using that energy more productively.
Often appears as...
- a waste of mental space
- that's a waste of space
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The phrase conveys strong disapproval and should be used carefully to avoid offending someone.
When he failed to deliver on his promises again, his colleagues muttered that he was a waste of space.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
Mainly used in casual or informal situations, and rarely in formal contexts.
In the staff room, they joked that the broken coffee machine was a waste of space.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
This phrase can hurt feelings; use it to express frustration, but be cautious about the listener's emotions.
Feeling down, she whispered to her friend that she felt like a waste of space.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The phrase conveys strong disapproval and should be used carefully to avoid offending someone.
When he failed to deliver on his promises again, his colleagues muttered that he was a waste of space.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
Mainly used in casual or informal situations, and rarely in formal contexts.
In the staff room, they joked that the broken coffee machine was a waste of space.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
This phrase can hurt feelings; use it to express frustration, but be cautious about the listener's emotions.
Feeling down, she whispered to her friend that she felt like a waste of space.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The phrase conveys strong disapproval and should be used carefully to avoid offending someone.
When he failed to deliver on his promises again, his colleagues muttered that he was a waste of space.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
Mainly used in casual or informal situations, and rarely in formal contexts.
In the staff room, they joked that the broken coffee machine was a waste of space.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
This phrase can hurt feelings; use it to express frustration, but be cautious about the listener's emotions.
Feeling down, she whispered to her friend that she felt like a waste of space.
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