Waste

Definition

Waste refers to the act of using or expending something carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose (verb). It can also mean unwanted or unusable materials (noun) or something desolate or neglected (adjective).

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /weɪst/
• Respelling: wayst

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /weɪst/
• Respelling: wayst

Etymology

The word "waste" originates from Middle English "wasten," derived from Old French "waster," and ultimately from the Latin "vastare," meaning "to lay waste" or "to devastate." Its noun form, referring to unused materials, evolved in the late 14th century.

Derivatives

• Wastage (noun)
• Wasteful (adjective)
• Wasted (adjective)
• Wastefulness (noun)
• Wastefully (adverb)

Synonyms

• Spoil
• Squander
• Debris

Antonyms

• Conserve
• Preserve
• Utilize

Usage

As a verb, "waste" refers to the careless or unnecessary use of resources. For example, "He wasted time by procrastinating."

As a noun, "waste" describes discarded or excess material. For example, "The factory produces industrial waste."

As an adjective, "waste" describes land that is barren or not in use. For example, "The expedition traveled through the waste desert."

Related Terms

• Recycle: The process of converting waste into reusable material.
• Conservation: The act of preserving resources and avoiding waste.
• Efficiency: The ability to achieve maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To use something carelessly or extravagantly: Refers to the act of not using resources effectively.
  • Example: "Do not waste water when washing dishes."
• To fail to make full use of something: Indicates the underutilization of an opportunity or resource.
  • Example: "He wasted his talents on trivial pursuits."

Noun

• Unwanted or unusable materials: Refers to refuse or by-products of processes.
  • Example: "The landfill is full of household waste."
• The act of using something unnecessarily: Refers to inefficient or careless expenditure.
  • Example: "Energy waste can be reduced with better insulation."

Adjective

• Barren or desolate: Describes land or areas that are unproductive or neglected.
  • Example: "The waste land stretched for miles."