Characterized by poor judgment, wastefulness, or a lack of purpose in the use of time, money, or resources. It implies a squandering of something valuable, leading to minimal or negative returns or consequences. It often suggests a feeling of regret or a recognition that the effort or resources could have been used in a more productive or beneficial way. The term highlights a misallocation and missed opportunities. Essentially, ill-spent signifies a failure to utilize something effectively, resulting in a loss rather than a gain.
Ill-spent meaning with examples
- The entire afternoon felt ill-spent, aimlessly scrolling through social media. I emerged feeling unproductive and somehow more tired than when I started. I regretted the lack of focus on the crucial work project which would now carry the weight of my negligence.
- The company's marketing budget was, in hindsight, ill-spent on irrelevant advertising. The campaigns failed to attract any new customers and were a heavy financial drain on resources. I wished for different outcomes.
- He realized his youth had been ill-spent on partying rather than acquiring skills. Now older, his lack of experience limited his opportunities, and he carried the weight of wasted years, filled with regret and a desire to correct his mistakes.
- The money on the lottery ticket was ultimately ill-spent. A wise purchase would have been to invest the money in something that would make a positive change for the future, which wasn't the case with this particular purchase.
- Her time during college was ill-spent, neglecting her studies for social events. When the time came for exams, she was wholly unprepared, with no degree or future, and the price was too much.