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

The move came amid cost-cutting efforts and claims of wasteful spending at the agency, which worked to prevent infectious diseases and supplied medicine and water to people in nations stricken by war, famine and drought. — USA Today, 17 June 2026

In response, the Miami-Dade Mayor's office challenged the allegations of wasteful spending. — Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 17 June 2026

But without a clear strategy, a flood of money allows the Pentagon to buy now and decide later what best defends the nation, a potentially wasteful approach. — Nancy A. Youssef, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026

For example, if Democrats were willing to find more economies in programs and curb wasteful spending, Polletta said, Republican support for income tax breaks for renters and families likely would increase significantly. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 15 June 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