“Youth is Wasted on the Young” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 16, 2024 by Liam Daniel

You might have heard the saying “Youth is wasted on the young”. What does this expression actually mean, and where did it originate? This reference will explore these questions, explaining the idiom and offering examples that show how it’s used.

In addition, you’ll discover alternative ways to express this idea and see a picture that sheds light on the phrase. Dive into this exploration and expand your grasp of this timeless expression.

Youth Is Wasted on the Young Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Youth is wasted on the young” means young people often don’t fully appreciate or make the best use of their energy and opportunities due to inexperience or lack of wisdom.
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Youth is Wasted on the Young Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Youth Is Wasted on the Young Meaning

“Youth is wasted on the young” means that young people often don’t fully appreciate or take advantage of the energy, opportunities, and vitality that come with being young. The phrase suggests that because of inexperience or lack of wisdom, young people may not make the best use of their youthful advantages, which older people—who often have more life experience and wisdom—might value more. It reflects the idea that the benefits of youth are sometimes underappreciated by those who have them.

Origin of the Phrase

The term youth is wasted on the young was first coined many thousands of years ago, but in more modern times was famously used by Oscar Wilde.

Usage of “Youth Is Wasted on the Young”

Here are some examples of usage:

  1. Reflecting on missed opportunities:
    • “Looking back, I realize how much energy I had in my 20s, but I didn’t take advantage of it. Youth is wasted on the young!”
  2. Commenting on youthful inexperience:
    • “They have so much time and freedom, yet they don’t seem to value it. Youth is wasted on the young.”
  3. As a humorous or light-hearted remark:
    • “If only I had the wisdom I have now when I was younger. Youth really is wasted on the young!”
  4. In a discussion about aging and experience:
    • “Now that I’m older, I understand why people say youth is wasted on the young. We don’t realize what we have until it’s gone.”

Related Terms to “Youth Is Wasted on the Young”

  • “If I knew then what I know now” – Reflecting on how things could have been different with the wisdom of age.
  • “With age comes wisdom” – The idea that wisdom and understanding come with life experience.
  • “Hindsight is 20/20” – Recognizing that things are clearer in retrospect.
  • “Too soon old, too late smart” – Suggesting that people gain wisdom too late in life.
  • “Carpe diem“ – A Latin phrase meaning “seize the day,” often encouraging the young to make the most of their time.
  • “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone” – Realizing the value of something only after losing it.
  • “The folly of youth” – Refers to the mistakes or lack of wisdom commonly associated with being young.
  • “Time waits for no one” – A reminder that time passes quickly, encouraging people to value their youth.

Other Ways to Say the Idiom

We might be able to express the meaning of the idiom “youth is wasted on the young” by using other words.

We will now look at some other things you might say in its place.

  • Immaturity and opportunity do not mix well
  • The young do not appreciate their youth.

“Youth Is Wasted on the Young” Examples

Examples in Sentences

We are now going to take a look at some examples of sentences in which the term youth is wasted on the young might be seen.

The first sentence is one being said by a grandmother.

  • My grandson keeps making so many mistakes even though he has the potential, it’s true when they say that youth is wasted on the young.

The next example is a statement being said by a teacher.

  • You need to stop ruining your chances, youth is wasted on the young and you are a prime example of this.

Conversation Examples

There are a number of conversations in which the phrase youth is wasted on the young might be observed. Let’s now take a look at some examples of times that you can expect to see the term in use.

The first conversation is being held between two friends who have just retired.

  • Person 1: “What are we going to do with ourselves now we don’t have to work?”
  • Person 2: “I’ve no idea, I don’t think I have the energy for much.”
  • Person 1: “I know what you mean, if only it was 25 years ago.”
  • Person 2: “We’d have gone travelling, dancing, the works, youth is truly wasted on the young.”

The next conversation is happening between two friends.

  • Person 1: “My son has just received his inheritance from his grandad. It’s a lot of money.”
  • Person 2: “What is he spending it on?”
  • Person 1: “Clubbing, designer clothes and holidays.”
  • Person 2: “Wow, he could invest that, youth is wasted on the young isn’t it.”
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