verb
squander
SKWON-der/ˈskwɑːndər/
To waste something valuable recklessly.
The man squanders money by burning banknotes to light his cigar.
Etymology
The word is recorded early with the meaning “spend recklessly,” and Shakespeare also used it for being scattered over a wide area. Its unknown origin prevents a secure root explanation.
In context
To spend is to waste, to squander, to lay out without return. To invest is to lay out for a purpose from which a profit is expected.
More examples
- We squander precious time arguing instead of solving the problem.
- She squandered her chance at a promotion by repeatedly skipping work.
- The company is squandering its limited funds on lavish parties.
Forms
squander · squanders · squandered · squandering
squanderer noun — Someone who recklessly wastes valuable resources.