wasteful
WAYST-fuhl
Wasteful (adjective) means using more of something than is needed, or using it carelessly. Example: “Leaving the tap running is wasteful.”
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
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more wasteful
- Superlative
- most wasteful
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Leaving the tap running is _____.
Etymology
From Middle English wastful, formed from waste plus -ful.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for wasteful
See all rhymes for 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.
