Meaning & Definition of word "Waste"

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.