wasted
Wasted (adjective) means used carelessly, without gaining any real benefit; not put to good use. Example: “That was a wasted opportunity to fix things.”
How to use wasted
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed poorly and without benefit — or, informally, very drunk or high.
The "very drunk/high" sense is slang, common in casual speech.
Word forms
more wasted comparative, most wasted superlative
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That was a _____ opportunity to fix things.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for wasted
See all rhymes for wasted →Frequently asked questions
What does “wasted” mean?
The word “wasted” means used carelessly, without gaining any real benefit; not put to good use. In plain terms, used poorly and without benefit — or, informally, very drunk or high.
How do you pronounce “wasted”?
“Wasted” is pronounced WAYS-tihd (/ˈweɪstɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “wasted” in a sentence?
Here is “wasted” used in a sentence: “That was a wasted opportunity to fix things.”
What part of speech is “wasted”?
“Wasted” is an adjective.
Is “wasted” a common word?
“Wasted” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “wasted” have?
“Wasted” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used carelessly, without gaining any real benefit; not put to good use.
What is the difference between "wasted" and "squandered"?
"Wasted" means used carelessly without gaining any real benefit, and it applies to time, money, food, or effort. "Squandered" carries a stronger sense of recklessly throwing away something valuable, so it often sounds more emphatic and judgmental than "wasted."
When should you use "wasted" to describe a person's appearance?
Use "wasted" for a person when they look thin and weak from illness or hunger, meaning emaciated. This sense describes the body being worn down, as in a wasted frame after a long illness, and differs from the everyday sense of resources not put to good use.
What are common collocations with the word "wasted"?
In its main sense, "wasted" pairs with words like "time," "money," "effort," "opportunity," and "food," as in "wasted time" or "a wasted opportunity." These phrases all express that something valuable was used carelessly without producing any benefit.
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