wasting

adjective

wast·​ing ˈwā-stiŋ How to pronounce wasting (audio)
1
: laying waste : devastating
2
: undergoing or causing decay or loss of strength
wasting diseases such as tuberculosis

Examples of wasting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There’s a lipstick loop, a key leash (no more wasting time rummaging around on your doorstep), an RFID-blocking compartment for your wallet, and multiple zippered and quick-access interior pockets. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2023 No more wasting time. Dallas News, 4 Oct. 2022 One that’s too large may be overkill, using up too much electricity and unnecessarily wasting floor space. Brett Dvoretz, chicagotribune.com, 1 Apr. 2021 The highly contagious disease was so wasting and terrifying that those who died of it were believed to leave their graves, infecting relatives and draining away blood and life, scholars have said. Author: Michael E. Ruane, Anchorage Daily News, 1 Aug. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wasting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wasting was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near wasting

Cite this Entry

“Wasting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wasting. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

wasting

1 of 2 adjective
wast·​ing ˈwā-stiŋ How to pronounce wasting (audio)
: undergoing or causing decay or loss of strength
wasting diseases such as tuberculosis

wasting

2 of 2 noun
: unintended loss of weight and lean body tissue characteristic of many diseases (as cancer, tuberculosis, and AIDS) : gradual loss of strength or substance : atrophy
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