wasteful
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for wasteful, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Using more of something than is needed, or using it carelessly.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use wasteful
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
wasteful spending
wasteful habits
environmentally wasteful
Etymology
From Middle English wastful, formed from waste plus -ful.
Full origin of wasteful →Frequently asked questions
What does “wasteful” mean?
The word “wasteful” means using more of something than is needed, or using it carelessly. In plain terms, describes using something, especially money or resources, more than is necessary.
How do you pronounce “wasteful”?
“Wasteful” is pronounced WAYST-fuhl (/ˈweɪstfəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “wasteful” in a sentence?
Here is “wasteful” used in a sentence: “Leaving the tap running is wasteful.”
What part of speech is “wasteful”?
“Wasteful” is an adjective.
Where does the word “wasteful” come from?
The word “wasteful” comes from Middle English. From Middle English wastful, formed from waste plus -ful.
Is “wasteful” a common word?
“Wasteful” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
