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/weɪst/
Meaning & Definition
noun
Material that is not wanted; the unusable remains or byproducts of something.
The factory produces a lot of waste that needs to be recycled.
An act of using something carelessly or extravagantly.
It is a waste of time to argue about trivial matters.
The deterioration of physical or mental condition; decline in health or vigor.
The patient's illness led to significant muscle waste.
verb
To use something carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose.
Don't waste your money on unnecessary items.
To spend or use time, energy, or resources thoughtlessly.
He wasted hours playing video games instead of studying.
To cause to become diminished, depleted, or desolate.
The famine wasted the population of the region.
adjective
Of or relating to material that is discarded or not useful.
They installed a waste storage facility near the plant.
In a state of decline or deterioration.
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
To act foolishly or recklessly.
She's just wasting her life away partying every night.
A person who is unproductive or lazy.
He's such a waste, he never contributes anything.