Sunk Cost Fallacy
Continuing something because of resources already spent rather than its future value.
- informal
The sunk cost fallacy keeps you committed to a course of action because of time, money, or effort already invested — costs that can't be recovered — instead of judging by the likely future costs and benefits. What's already spent is gone regardless and is irrelevant to whether continuing is now worthwhile.
Examples
- “I'm two hours into this dreadful movie, so I might as well sit through the rest.”
- “We've already poured millions into this failing project; pulling out now would waste everything we've spent.”
Why it works & how to counter
Persuasive because walking away feels like admitting the investment was wasted. Counter it by ignoring what's already gone and asking only whether continuing is worth it from here on.