wasteful

adjective

waste·​ful ˈwāst-fəl 

: given to or marked by waste : lavish, prodigal

wastefully

ˈwāst-fə-lē 

adverb

wastefulness noun

Synonyms of wasteful

• extravagant
• profligate
• generous
• spendthrift
• unthrifty
• prodigal
• reckless
• careless
• liberal

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

Our health care system is wasteful, costly and complicated and desperately needs reform. — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Many come in numerous pill packets, which some users feel is wasteful. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

The Broward Water Partnership is offering rebates for people willing to swap their toilets for less wasteful models to help the environment and their bank account. — Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2026

Becerra also said those cuts could also be addressed by cutting wasteful spending, overbilling and other inefficiencies in the healthcare system. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for wasteful

• distasteful
• tasteful

Kids Definition

wasteful

adjective

waste·​ful ˈwāst-fəl 

: given to or marked by waste : prodigal

a wasteful use of our natural resources

wastefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

wastefulness noun