Meaning & Definition of Waste in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: The act of using or expending something carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose.

  Example Sentence: He wasted his talent by not practicing.

• Definition: An object, material, or substance that has been discarded or can no longer be used.

  Example Sentence: The landfill was filled with household waste.

• Definition: A reduction in the quantity or usefulness of something through neglect or harm.

  Example Sentence: We cannot afford to waste our resources.

• Definition: To use something up carelessly or to no effect.

  Example Sentence: Don't waste your money on that.

• Definition: Refusing to take care of oneself; physical or moral deterioration.

  Example Sentence: He had wasted away from illness.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

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.

Translations

• Spanish: desperdicio

• French: déchet

• German: Abfall

• Russian: отходы

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.