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

Tightening accountability, closing loopholes, and ending wasteful corporate handouts would generate revenue without raising taxes on working families. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026

Bring up the unnecessary and wasteful government programs that should be eliminated. — Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026

Conservative officials and activists have increasingly portrayed home care as wasteful and rife with fraud. — Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 8 Sep. 2026

The new rules aim to minimize the use of wasteful packaging as the economy transitions to become more circular. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 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