Meaning & Definition of word "Waste"

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    Waste

    /weɪst/

    noun:

    • 1. Material that is not wanted; the unusable remains or byproducts of something.
      • Example: The factory produces a lot of waste that needs to be recycled.
    • 2. An act of using something carelessly or extravagantly.
      • Example: It is a waste of time to argue about trivial matters.
    • 3. The deterioration of physical or mental condition; decline in health or vigor.
      • Example: The patient's illness led to significant muscle waste.

    verb:

    • 1. To use something carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose.
      • Example: Don't waste your money on unnecessary items.
    • 2. To spend or use time, energy, or resources thoughtlessly.
      • Example: He wasted hours playing video games instead of studying.
    • 3. To cause to become diminished, depleted, or desolate.
      • Example: The famine wasted the population of the region.

    adjective:

    • 1. Of or relating to material that is discarded or not useful.
      • Example: They installed a waste storage facility near the plant.
    • 2. In a state of decline or deterioration.
      • Example: The abandoned building was a waste structure, falling apart.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old French 'wast', from Latin 'vastare' (to lay waste, ravage).

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    waste time:

    To spend time on unproductive or trivial activities.

    waste of space:

    A person or thing that is considered worthless.

    waste not, want not:

    If you do not waste things, you will have what you need.

    Related Words

    wasteful:

    Characterized by the expenditure of resources, typically in a careless manner.

    wasteland:

    An unused area of land that is barren or desolate.

    wastage:

    The action or process of losing something by neglect or waste.

    Slang Meanings of waste

    Meaning: To act foolishly or recklessly.

    Example Sentence: She's just wasting her life away partying every night.

    Meaning: A person who is unproductive or lazy.

    Example Sentence: He's such a waste, he never contributes anything.