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Definitions

go to waste

VERB
waste
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blow consume deplete dissipate divert drain exhaust lavish lose misuse squander undermine
STRONG
atrophy corrode crumble debilitate decay decline decrease disable disappear droop ebb emaciate empty enfeeble fade gnaw misapply perish sap sink splurge thin wane wear wilt wither
WEAK
be of no avail burn up eat away fritter away frivol away gamble away misemploy pour down the drain run dry run through throw away trifle away wear out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accumulate collect fill gather hoard maintain save starve succeed
STRONG
aid assist bloom build develop grow help improve increase raise rise strengthen
WEAK
create preserve

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Janet Leng, 75, and Marian Hodgson, 39, volunteer with I Am Reusable food bank in York and redistribute food which would otherwise go to waste.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

At Spring, she fashioned discount dishes out of such items as potato skins that otherwise would go to waste.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 2025

“We’re grinding over here, we’re not letting anything go to waste or not giving effort in one area or another,” Skipper said of his staff’s recruiting efforts.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2025

Unable to make it to the market, his precious merchandise will likely go to waste.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

She did not want that money to go to waste.

From "A Place to Belong" by Cynthia Kadohata