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Waster Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ
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waster

[หˆweษชstษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

someone who wastes resources

A waster is a person who recklessly uses or spends resources without concern for the consequences. This term is often used to describe individuals who are wasteful or irresponsible in their consumption habits.

Synonyms

profligate, spendthrift, squanderer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
waster

Used to describe someone who wastes resources like time, money, or materials in a careless or inefficient manner, often with negative connotation.

  • He's such a waster, always throwing away food that could be reused.
  • Donโ€™t be a waster; recycle and make use of what you have.
profligate

Used in more formal or literary contexts to describe someone who is recklessly extravagant or wasteful, especially with money, with a strong negative connotation.

  • The profligate spending of the trust fund left them bankrupt.
  • He was known in society as a profligate, spending lavishly at every opportunity.
squanderer

Used to refer to someone who wastes something valuable, such as money, time, or opportunities, often with a sense of regret and criticism.

  • He was a squanderer of both his talents and opportunities.
  • History remembers him as a squanderer of the companyโ€™s resources.
spendthrift

Often used in everyday conversation to describe a person who spends money in an irresponsible and wasteful manner, generally negative but usually less severe than 'profligate'.

  • She turned into a real spendthrift after winning the lottery.
  • His spendthrift habits drained their bank account quickly.

Examples of usage

  • He's such a waster, always leaving the lights on and the water running.
  • Don't be a waster, turn off the tap when you're not using it.
Context #2 | Noun

an unsuccessful or unproductive person

In slang terms, a waster can also refer to someone who is seen as lazy, unproductive, or unsuccessful. This usage often implies a lack of ambition or motivation.

Synonyms

idler, loafer, slacker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
waster

Used to describe someone who wastes time or resources irresponsibly, often in a negative context.

  • He is such a waster, always spending money on things he doesn't need
  • She feels like a complete waster after spending the whole day watching TV
slacker

Describes someone who avoids work or effort, often used to indicate a person who shirk responsibilities, sometimes in a derogatory sense.

  • The project failed because of a few slackers in the team
  • She's always been a slacker, never finishing her assignments on time
loafer

Usually signifies someone who is habitually lazy and avoids work, often in an informal context.

  • He's been a loafer ever since he dropped out of college
  • The loafers at the park did nothing all day but watch the world go by
idler

Refers to someone who avoids work or any productive activity, often used in a somewhat formal or literary context.

  • The lazy idler spent his days lounging by the river
  • She accused him of being an idler who never lifted a finger

Examples of usage

  • He's just a waster, never bothering to look for a job.
  • Don't be a waster and waste your potential.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, wasting food is seen as a serious social faux pas, often connected to traditions of resourcefulness.
  • Films and literature frequently explore themes of wastefulness, often portraying characters that lose everything due to their careless behavior.

Economics

  • Wasting resources can lead to significant economic losses on a larger scale, driving initiatives for recycling and sustainability.
  • The concept of a 'wasted opportunity' emphasizes the importance of efficient resource management in businesses.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals who frequently waste their time may struggle with setting goals or maintaining focus.
  • Feelings of guilt often accompany wasteful behavior, impacting mental well-being and self-esteem.

Literature

  • Several classic works address themes of waste, such as T.S. Eliotโ€™s 'The Waste Land', which reflects on societal disconnection.
  • 'Waster' characters appear in various novels as cautionary tales, often demonstrating the pitfalls of squandering lifeโ€™s opportunities.

Origin of 'waster'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Old English 'wรฆstian', meaning to waste or spoil.
  • The term has evolved over centuries, initially describing people who lived in excess and squandered resources.

The word 'waster' originated from the Middle English 'wastere', which meant 'destroyer' or 'one who lays waste'. It has evolved over time to encompass the idea of someone who wastes resources or is unproductive. The term has negative connotations and is often used to criticize individuals for their careless or idle behavior.

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

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,731 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.