as in extravagant
given to spending money freely or foolishly
my one wasteful child always seemed to run out of money by midweek
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wasteful
What are these wasteful projects doing?
—
Steve Inskeep, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
Insurers have long argued that prior authorization reduces fraud and wasteful spending, as well as prevents potential harm.
—Lauren Sausser, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
State Backing China’s high-tech push, however, also draws attention to a state industrial policy that critics say is used to give some firms an unfair advantage, both locally and internationally, and that can prove wasteful.
—Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Historically, government-privileged firms tend to be wasteful firms.
—Matthew Mitchell, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wasteful
Steve Inskeep, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
Insurers have long argued that prior authorization reduces fraud and wasteful spending, as well as prevents potential harm.
—Lauren Sausser, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
State Backing China’s high-tech push, however, also draws attention to a state industrial policy that critics say is used to give some firms an unfair advantage, both locally and internationally, and that can prove wasteful.
—Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Historically, government-privileged firms tend to be wasteful firms.
—Matthew Mitchell, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wasteful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wasteful
Adjective
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Critics said Trump had pushed for the extravagant parade not to commemorate the armed forces, but as a display of his own vanity.—
NPR,
NPR,
19 Oct. 2025
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While some may view it as extravagant goods and high-end services, others see it as occasional splurges, unique experiences and good health.—
Maddie McGay,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Of course, the same folks who said Trump’s tariffs would cause runaway inflation also said Biden’s profligate spending wouldn’t cause inflation.—
E.J. Antoni,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
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Dembele, once a creative, two-footed but profligate winger who Luis Enrique coached into a prolific striker, has not started any of the five Club World Cup games.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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With generous scoops and homemade flavors like Chocolate Fluffer Nutter, Black Raspberry, and Almond Bark, this small-batch, family-run shop is a true Syracuse staple.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Oct. 2025
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The tiny house features generous glazing, including a double glass door entrance which opens next to the combined living/sleeping area.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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It would be accompanied by state audits into how spendthrift local governments overcharge for roads, school construction and parks.—
Stephen Moore,
Boston Herald,
19 Sep. 2025
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Thanks to money-hungry special interests and spendthrift leaders, Californians pay among the highest corporate, sales, gas and income taxes in the nation.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And maybe, for that offense, and for so many other protests, the Embassy would refuse to help Daria, its prodigal daughter.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Oct. 2025
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In his own way, prodigal Harry has always been a more easy-going son than William.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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A day after the state Legislature approved a bill intended to help Milwaukee crack down on reckless drivers, local officials met at the city's towing lot to send a message.—
Hope Karnopp,
jsonline.com,
15 Oct. 2025
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Trump’s reckless tariffs are needlessly spiking inflation and driving up prices on everything from groceries to housing to utilities.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In March 2024, Karen was arrested and charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
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Nigeria deserves solidarity in its fight against terror — not careless rhetoric that fuels misunderstanding.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But opposing defense spending, including the troop pay authorized by the legislation, would create bad optics and the latest attack line for Republicans to paint their liberal colleagues as obstructionists.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Oct. 2025
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That was under a government led by the founders of the state, and much lionized by liberal Zionists.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wasteful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wasteful. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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