wasteful

adjective

waste·​ful ˈwāst-fəl How to pronounce wasteful (audio)
: given to or marked by waste : lavish, prodigal
wastefully adverb
wastefulness noun

Examples of wasteful in a Sentence

a wasteful use of natural resources a careless and wasteful person We must eliminate wasteful expenditures.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Overall, this wasn’t a terrible episode, but having our heroes start in the UK and then end up in Spain in the first episode felt rushed and wasteful. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Is the packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful? Lily Wohlner, Allure, 5 Sep. 2025 This adds a wasteful step that rarely, if ever, will result in a change of a disciplinary decision. Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 29 Aug. 2025 Republicans have argued that the SNAP cuts will ultimately force more parents into the workforce, prevent wasteful government sending and benefit grocers. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wasteful

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wasteful was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wasteful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wasteful. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

wasteful

adjective
waste·​ful ˈwāst-fəl How to pronounce wasteful (audio)
: given to or marked by waste : prodigal
a wasteful use of our natural resources
wastefully adverb
wastefulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on wasteful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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