Squandered: meaning, definitions and examples

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squandered

[ˈskwɒndəd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

wasting money

To spend or use something in a wasteful or extravagant manner. Squandered implies a reckless or careless use of resources without consideration for their value or importance. It often leads to financial difficulties or loss.

Synonyms

blow, fritter away, misuse, waste.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
squandered	This word is often used when referring to wasting money, time, opportunities, or resources in a reckless or foolish manner. It implies a significant or regretful loss. He squandered his inheritance on luxury cars and extravagant vacations. She squandered the opportunity to study abroad by procrastinating.
waste	A general term for using or expending something carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose. It is the most neutral and broad term among the group. Don't waste your food; there are people who don't have enough to eat. We shouldn't waste time on arguments.
misuse	This word implies using something incorrectly or for the wrong purpose, often resulting in damage or inefficiency. It can have a negative connotation. They misused the company's funds for personal expenses. He misused his authority by making unfair decisions.
fritter away	This phrase is used to describe wasting time, money, or resources gradually on trivial or unimportant matters. It suggests small, continuous losses rather than one large one. He frittered away his free time playing video games. She frittered away her savings on small, unnecessary purchases.
blow	A casual and informal term that generally refers to wasting money or opportunities impulsively. It often reflects a sense of carelessness or lack of foresight. He blew all his paycheck at the casino last night. She blew her chances at getting the promotion by missing the deadline.

Examples of usage

He squandered his inheritance on luxury cars and vacations.
Don't squander your opportunities by procrastinating.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

losing or wasting time

To waste time or fail to make good use of opportunities. Squandered time implies a lack of productivity or efficiency in utilizing one's time effectively. It often results in missed chances or unfulfilled potential.

Synonyms

fritter away, idle away, misspend, waste.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
squandered	Used when someone recklessly spends or loses resources like money, time, or opportunities. He squandered his inheritance on luxurious vacations and cars She squandered her time scrolling through social media instead of studying
waste	General term for using something carelessly or without any benefit. Don't waste your food; people are starving elsewhere He wasted his chances by not preparing for the interview
fritter away	Refers to gradually wasting resources, especially time or money, on unimportant activities. He frittered away his afternoon playing video games They fritter away their money on small, unnecessary purchases
misspend	Implies using time, money, or resources in a way that is considered improper or unethical. He misspent the charity funds on personal expenses She misspent her talents on trivial tasks
idle away	Describes spending time in a lazy, carefree manner without doing anything productive. She idled away the summer days lounging by the pool He idled away his weekends watching TV

Examples of usage

She squandered hours watching mindless TV shows.
Don't squander your youth on trivial pursuits.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle English term 'squandren' meaning 'to scatter, waste'.
It has roots in the Old French word 'esquantrer', which means 'to waste or dissipate'.
The term has been used since at least the 14th century in English literature.

Literature

Many classic novels explore the consequences of squandered opportunities and wasted lives, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'.
In Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', the theme of squandered time resonates through the character's procrastination and missed chances.
Modern literature often contrasts characters who squander their resources against those who invest wisely, highlighting moral lessons.

Psychology

Research indicates that people often regret squandered time more than wasted money, emphasizing the value of time in one's life.
Cognitive biases can lead individuals to underestimate the value of small savings and time investments, contributing to a pattern of squandering.
The tendency to squander resources can be linked to impulsivity, where immediate gratification overshadows long-term benefits.

Economics

Squandering resources is a significant concern in economics, where efficiency in resource allocation is key to success.
Economic models often incorporate the concept of opportunity cost, which explains what you miss out on when resources are squandered.
Public policy frameworks may be designed to prevent squandering in government spending, aiming for efficient use of taxpayer money.

Pop Culture

Popular songs like 'Money for Nothing' by Dire Straits touch on themes of wealth squandered without achieving true satisfaction.
Movies often depict characters who squander their fortunes, only to learn valuable lessons about responsibility and priorities.
Reality TV shows frequently highlight people squandering their time and resources in extravagant lifestyles, prompting discussions on financial literacy.

Translations

Translations of the word "squandered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desperdiçado

🇮🇳 बर्बाद किया हुआ

🇩🇪 verschwendet

🇮🇩 terbuang

🇺🇦 розтрачений

🇵🇱 zmarnowany

🇯🇵 無駄にされた

🇫🇷 gaspillé

🇪🇸 desperdiciado

🇹🇷 israf edilmiş

🇰🇷 낭비된

🇸🇦 مبذر

🇨🇿 promarněný

🇸🇰 premárnený

🇨🇳 浪费的

🇸🇮 zapravljeno

🇮🇸 sóað

🇰🇿 ысырап болған

🇬🇪 ფლანგული

🇦🇿 israf edilmiş

🇲🇽 desperdiciado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,852, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
21849 proximately
21850 reorganizing
21851 altho
21852 squandered
21853 fibula
21854 undiminished
21855 outnumber
...