Synonyms for

Waste

Verb / weɪst / Another word for waste — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To use or expend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose.

Synonyms & similar words

Synonyms by register

Antonyms

Common collocations

  • waste paper
  • waste of time
  • waste of money
  • waste disposal
  • waste product
  • waste management
  • waste material

Word family

noun waste
verb waste
adjective wasteful

Usage note

As a noun, 'waste' often refers to unwanted or unusable material. As a verb, it means to use carelessly or to fail to make good use of something.

Example sentences

  1. Don't waste your food, there are starving people in the world.
  2. He wasted his money on useless gadgets.
  3. The company was accused of wasting resources on unnecessary expenses.
  4. She felt guilty for wasting her time instead of studying.
  5. The water was wasted because the faucet was left running.

Quotes

  • Time and tide wait for no man, but time always stands still for a woman of thirty.
  • Waste not, want not.
  • Waste is worse than loss. The time is coming when every person who lays claim to ability will keep the question of waste before him constantly. The scope of thrift is limitless.

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