English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word waste in English

What does waste mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

waste

US /weɪst/
UK /weɪst/
"waste" picture

Noun

1.

material that is not wanted; the unusable remains or by-product of something

Example:
•
The factory produces a lot of chemical waste.
•
Please put your food waste in the compost bin.
Synonym:
refuse rubbish garbage trash debris
2.

an act or instance of wasting time or resources

Example:
•
It's a complete waste of time trying to convince him.
•
Leaving the lights on is a waste of electricity.
Synonym:
squandering misuse extravagance prodigality

Verb

1.

use or expend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose

Example:
•
Don't waste your money on frivolous things.
•
We can't afford to waste any more time.
Synonym:
squander misuse fritter away dissipate throw away
2.

become weaker, smaller, or thinner, especially as a result of illness or lack of nourishment

Example:
•
His body began to waste away after the long illness.
•
The muscles in his leg had started to waste.
Synonym:
atrophy decline deteriorate wither shrink

Adjective

describing land that is barren or uncultivated

Example:
•
They traveled across a vast, waste land.
•
The old factory stood on a piece of waste ground.
Synonym:
barren desolate uncultivated unproductive fallow
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Related Word:
wasted radioactive waste