Wasteful: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

At position #12,569, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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