1
: laying waste : devastating
2
: undergoing or causing decay or loss of strength
wasting diseases such as tuberculosis
Examples of wasting in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Owning my gear has significantly streamlined my travel experience — no more wasting time in long rental lines, dealing with mystery-smelling boots that have seen better days, or forking out cash for rentals every season.
—
Erica Paige, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2025
There’s a lipstick loop, a key leash (no more wasting time rummaging around on your doorstep), an RFID-blocking compartment for your wallet, and multiple zippered and quick-access interior pockets.
—Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2023
No more wasting time.
—Dallas News, 4 Oct. 2022
One that’s too large may be overkill, using up too much electricity and unnecessarily wasting floor space.
—Brett Dvoretz, chicagotribune.com, 1 Apr. 2021
The highly contagious disease was so wasting and terrifying that those who died of it were believed to leave their graves, infecting relatives and draining away blood and life, scholars have said.
—Author: Michael E. Ruane, Anchorage Daily News, 1 Aug. 2019
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Erica Paige, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2025
There’s a lipstick loop, a key leash (no more wasting time rummaging around on your doorstep), an RFID-blocking compartment for your wallet, and multiple zippered and quick-access interior pockets.
—Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2023
No more wasting time.
—Dallas News, 4 Oct. 2022
One that’s too large may be overkill, using up too much electricity and unnecessarily wasting floor space.
—Brett Dvoretz, chicagotribune.com, 1 Apr. 2021
The highly contagious disease was so wasting and terrifying that those who died of it were believed to leave their graves, infecting relatives and draining away blood and life, scholars have said.
—Author: Michael E. Ruane, Anchorage Daily News, 1 Aug. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Wasting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wasting. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
wasting
1 of 2 adjective
wast·ing
ˈwā-stiŋ 
: undergoing or causing decay or loss of strength
wasting diseases such as tuberculosis
wasting
2 of 2 noun
: unintended loss of weight and lean body tissue characteristic of many diseases (as cancer, tuberculosis, and AIDS) : gradual loss of strength or substance : atrophy
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