Wasteful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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wasteful
[หweษชstf(ษ)l ]
Definitions
environmental
Using or expending something of value carelessly or extravagantly; wasteful practices harm the environment by depleting natural resources and increasing pollution.
Synonyms
extravagant, improvident, profligate.
Examples of usage
- The wasteful disposal of plastic bottles is damaging our planet.
- She was criticized for her wasteful water usage during the drought.
financial
Spending resources recklessly or without necessity; wasteful spending can lead to financial instability and debt.
Synonyms
extravagant, lavish, prodigal, reckless.
Examples of usage
- The government was accused of wasteful spending on unnecessary projects.
- He regretted his wasteful habits after realizing he was in debt.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Environmental Impact
- The average American throws away about 1,800 pounds of trash each year, demonstrating significant wastefulness.
- Food waste is a major concern, with approximately one-third of all food produced globally never eaten, which impacts both resources and hunger.
Economics
- In economics, wastefulness can lead to inefficiencies in production, often causing both financial loss and missed opportunities.
- Many governments and organizations aim to reduce wastefulness to improve economic sustainability and resource allocation.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, wastefulness is viewed as a moral issue, often linked to greed and irresponsibility.
- The concept of frugality in cultures like Japan emphasizes resource conservation, contrasting with more wasteful practices in some Western societies.
Psychology
- Research shows that people can develop a habit of wasteful behavior due to perceived abundance, affecting decision-making.
- The 'sunk cost fallacy' can lead individuals to continue wasteful practices simply because they have already invested resources, even if it is no longer beneficial.
Origin of 'wasteful'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'wastif,' which meant 'wasted' or 'used up.'
- It entered the English language in the 14th century, gradually evolving to its modern meaning of excessive use.
The word 'wasteful' has been in use since the mid-16th century, derived from the Middle English 'wasten' meaning 'to devastate'. It is related to the Old Norse 'vazta' and the Old High German 'waston', both meaning 'waste'. The concept of being wasteful has always been associated with excessive consumption and misuse of resources.
See also: wastage, wasted, wastefulness, wasteland, waster, wastrel.