adjective
wasteful
WAYST-fuhl
adjective
1
Using more of something than is needed, or using it carelessly.
"Leaving the tap running is wasteful."
"The company was criticised for wasteful spending."
How to Use Wasteful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes using something, especially money or resources, more than is necessary.
Common pairings
wasteful spending
wasteful habits
environmentally wasteful
Word Forms
more wasteful comparative, most wasteful superlative
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Leaving the tap running is _____.
Etymology
From Middle English wastful, formed from waste plus -ful.