Wasting: meaning, definitions and examples
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wasting
[ ˈweɪstɪŋ ]
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.
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.
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- 9691 precedence
- 9692 orally
- 9693 paired
- 9694 wasting
- 9695 cognition
- 9696 catastrophe
- 9697 unexpectedly
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