Wasted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wasted

[หˆweษชstษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or having lost time, money, or resources

Feeling or having lost time, money, or resources in a reckless or foolish manner. It usually implies regret or disappointment.

Synonyms

misused, squandered.

Examples of usage

  • I feel wasted after spending all that money on unnecessary things.
  • She was wasted on that useless project that never took off.
Context #2 | Verb

using or expending something carelessly or extravagantly

Using or expending something carelessly or extravagantly, often to the point of exhaustion or depletion. It can refer to time, resources, or opportunities.

Synonyms

consume, expend, squander.

Examples of usage

  • Don't waste your time on trivial matters.
  • He wasted all his energy on the first half of the race.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Impact

  • In music and pop culture, 'wasted' often describes a state of excessive drinking or drug use, seen in songs ranging from rock to hip-hop.
  • The phrase 'wasted youth' reflects a cultural acknowledgment of the negative consequences of excessive partying and carefree living.

Psychology

  • Experiencing feelings of being 'wasted' can reflect underlying issues such as stress or anxiety, signaling that one needs to rest or reassess their lifestyle.
  • Being in a 'wasted' state may also impact decision-making abilities, leading to actions that one could later regret.

Science

  • The human body can actually be 'wasted' when nutrients are not properly absorbed, leading to conditions such as muscle wasting or malnutrition.
  • In ecology, the term 'wasted' can describe resources that are not utilized efficiently, emphasizing the importance of sustainability.

Literature

  • Writers often use 'wasted' as a motif to explore themes of loss, regret, and the passage of time.
  • Classic literature frequently features characters who become 'wasted' due to poor choices, serving as cautionary tales.

Origin of 'wasted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'wastรฉ,' meaning 'destroyed or emptied,' highlighting a sense of loss.
  • In the context of being tired or drunk, 'wasted' has been in use since the late 1800s, reflecting a decline from one's normal state.

The word 'wasted' has its origins in Middle English, where 'wasten' meant 'to lay waste to' or 'to ruin'. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass the idea of using something carelessly or extravagantly. The modern usage of 'wasted' to describe a feeling of regret or depletion emerged in the late 20th century, particularly in youth culture and pop music.


See also: wastage, wasteful, wastefulness, wasteland, waster, wastrel.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,567 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.