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

Rúa had been making videos on Instagram and TikTok for five years anonymously under the name Elefante blanco, or the White Elephant, a reference to the unfinished and wasteful infrastructure projects that Rúa exposes. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 30 Oct. 2026

The chief executive of California’s High Speed Rail Authority abruptly resigned amid intensifying scrutiny over cost overruns, project delays and wasteful expenses. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

The goal is to save money, cut back on overconsumption and be more mindful of wasteful and unsustainable shopping habits. — Margaret Cirino, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026

As costs kept climbing, many health economists were reluctant to probe the wasteful spending that accompanied the consolidation frenzy. — Dana P. Goldman, STAT, 22 Oct. 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