verb
squander
SKWOND-uh
verb
1
To waste money, time, or an opportunity carelessly.
"He squandered his inheritance on bad investments."
"They squandered their lead in the second half of the game."
How to Use Squander
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo waste something valuable — money, time, or a chance — through carelessness.
Easily confused with
squandered
Common pairings
squander an opportunity
squander money
squander a lead
Word Forms
squandered past tense, squanders singular
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He _____ his inheritance on bad investments.
Etymology
First recorded in the late 1500s meaning "to spend recklessly"; origin uncertain, possibly a blend of "scatter" and "wander."