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Definitions

waste

[weyst] / weɪst /
NOUN
spending, use without thought
Synonyms
STRONGEST
misuse
STRONG
decay desolation destruction devastation dilapidation dissipation disuse exhaustion expenditure extravagance fritter havoc improvidence lavishness loss misapplication overdoing prodigality ravage ruin squander squandering wastage wastefulness
WEAK
lost opportunity unthriftiness
Antonyms
STRONG
building construction creation development growth improvement
WEAK
hoarding possessions saving
NOUN
land that is uncultivated
Synonyms
STRONG
badlands barren bog brush bush desert fen jungle marsh marshland moor quagmire solitude swamp tundra void wasteland wild wilderness wilds
WEAK
brushland dust bowl
Antonyms
WEAK
development hoarding possessions saving
NOUN
garbage, refuse
Synonyms
STRONGEST
debris rubbish scrap trash
STRONG
dreck dregs dross excess hogwash junk leavings leftovers litter offal rubble ruins rummage slop sweepings swill
WEAK
offscourings
Antonyms
STRONGEST
possessions sense
WEAK
development hoarding saving
VERB
spend or use without thought; dwindle
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 go to waste 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
VERB
ruin, destroy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
reduce spoil
STRONG
desecrate desolate despoil devastate devour pillage rape ravage raze sack
WEAK
depredate lay waste spoliate wreak havoc
Antonyms
STRONGEST
grow
STRONG
build construct help improve protect
WEAK
create hoard preserve save

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.

High-profile cases have hit the headlines in recent months, including giant 21,000 tonne waste tip in Oxfordshire that is costing taxpayers £7.3m to clear.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

Improved preservation techniques could support wildlife and biodiversity conservation, enhance vaccine storage, and help reduce food waste.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

The drippings, on that first night, don’t go to waste: they’re coaxed into something worthy of the occasion, slicked over potatoes or spooned onto rice, greener and more herb-laced than you might expect.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

He did that for two years, but eventually his knowledge of the game as a onetime quarterback made him too valuable to waste.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

“Now I shall have to waste part of my salary on clothes, which I hardly need,” she fumed, although it was not really true, for the elbows of her sleeves were worn rather thin.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing waste

Common Five-letter Words for Wordle, List 4

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Natural Resources and the Environment - Introductory

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Earth Science - Middle School

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!