Waste: meaning, definitions and examples

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waste

 

[ weɪst ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

environment

Unwanted or unusable materials, substances, or by-products, particularly those that are harmful to the environment.

Synonyms

garbage, rubbish, trash

Examples of usage

  • Recycling helps reduce waste and protect the environment.
  • Improper disposal of waste can lead to pollution of the land and water sources.
Context #2 | Verb

resources

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

Synonyms

consume, misuse, squander

Examples of usage

  • Try not to waste water by leaving the tap running.
  • He wasted his inheritance on frivolous purchases.

Translations

Translations of the word "waste" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desperdício

🇮🇳 बर्बादी

🇩🇪 Verschwendung

🇮🇩 pemborosan

🇺🇦 марнотратство

🇵🇱 marnowanie

🇯🇵 無駄

🇫🇷 gaspillage

🇪🇸 desperdicio

🇹🇷 israf

🇰🇷 낭비

🇸🇦 إهدار

🇨🇿 plýtvání

🇸🇰 plytvanie

🇨🇳 浪费

🇸🇮 razsipavanje

🇮🇸 sóun

🇰🇿 ысырап

🇬🇪 ფლანგვა

🇦🇿 israf

🇲🇽 desperdicio

Etymology

The word 'waste' originated from the Old English term 'wæstan', meaning 'desolate, barren, empty'. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the concept of unused or discarded materials. The modern usage of 'waste' reflects the growing concern for environmental sustainability and resource management.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,499, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.