waste of effort (noun)

1. In the futuristic world of advanced technology, using a manual typewriter would be considered a waste of effort.

2. She spent hours preparing a candlelit dinner for him, only to realize he had already made plans to eat out - such a waste of effort.

3. After meticulously designing and constructing a grand staircase, the owner decided to remodel and remove it, making it a waste of effort.

4. The author poured his heart and soul into writing a novel, but it never got published, making it a waste of effort.