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

Proposition 41 supporters say the measure aims to cut wasteful government spending by requiring audits for new state special taxes and would bar new state taxes that exempt their revenue from a state spending limit. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 24 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

President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking a second term in January, has repeatedly defended his decision to scrap a years-long subsidy program in 2023 to avoid wasteful spending and invest in infrastructure development. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 19 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