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Wasting: meaning, definitions and examples

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wasting

 

[ ˈweɪstɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

time loss

Wasting refers to the act of using something inefficiently or carelessly. It can pertain to time, resources, or energy that could have been utilized more effectively. This term often implies a sense of regret over the lost value.

Synonyms

dissipating, misusing, squandering

Examples of usage

  • He is wasting time instead of studying.
  • Don't waste your energy on things that don't matter.
  • They wasted a lot of money on unnecessary items.
Context #2 | Verb

resource depletion

Wasting can also refer to the depletion or reduction of something valuable, particularly in the context of natural resources or assets. This usage often highlights environmental concerns related to overconsumption.

Synonyms

consuming, depleting, exhausting

Examples of usage

  • We should avoid wasting water during the drought.
  • The factory was criticized for wasting resources.
  • Wasting food is a major global issue.

Etymology

The word 'wasting' comes from the Old English term 'wæstan', which means to waste away, to be wasted. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word '*waistaz', which means to waste or to wane. Over the centuries, the meaning of the term has evolved, often associated with the waste of resources, materials, and time. By the Middle Ages, the usage of the term expanded to include not just the physical depletion of materials but also the figurative sense of losing opportunities, time, and potential. In contemporary English, 'wasting' is commonly used in various contexts, including environmental conservation discussions, management efficiency, and financial expenditures.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,694 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.