waste
word
/ˈweɪst/
wayst
/wˈeɪst/
wayst
Definition
To use something carelessly so that it is lost or not used well. As a noun, it can also mean unwanted material, such as trash, or a useless loss of time, money, or effort.
Usage & Nuances
Very common as both a verb and a noun. Common patterns: 'waste time', 'waste money', 'waste food', 'industrial waste', 'a waste of time'. 'Trash' usually means physical garbage, while 'waste' can be broader and more abstract.
Spanish: desperdiciar - residuo - pérdida inútilPortuguese (BR): desperdiçar - resíduo - perda inútilPortuguese (PT): desperdiçar - resíduo - perda inútilChinese (Simplified): 浪费 - 废弃物Chinese (Traditional): 浪費 - 廢棄物Hindi: बर्बाद करना - कचरा - व्यर्थ हानिArabic: يهدر - نفايات - إضاعةBengali: অপচয় - বর্জ্যRussian: тратить впустую - отходыJapanese: 無駄にする - 廃棄物Vietnamese: lãng phí - chất thảiKorean: 낭비하다 - 폐기물Turkish: israf etmek - atıkUrdu: ضائع کرنا - فضلہIndonesian: membuang-buang - limbah
Example Sentences
Don't waste water when you wash the dishes.
basic
This bag is full of plastic waste.
basic
Buying food you don't eat is a waste of money.
basic
Let's not waste time arguing about this again.
natural
All that effort went to waste after the file was deleted.
natural
Honestly, that meeting was a complete waste of time.
natural