What does WASTE mean?

Parts of Speech

Waste can be used as a noun, verb, or adjective.

Definitions

• As a noun, waste refers to an unused or unwanted material or substance, or to a region of land that is uninhabitable or barren.
• As a verb, waste means to use or expend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose. It can also mean to cause harm or damage to something or someone.
• As an adjective, waste describes something that is unused or unwanted, or something that is not used efficiently or effectively.

Pronunciations

• US: /weɪst/
• UK: /weɪst/

Origin and Usage

The word waste comes from the Old Northern French word "waster," meaning to squander or destroy. Its usage dates back to the 14th century. Waste is commonly used in environmental contexts to refer to the disposal of materials and resources, as well as in economic contexts to refer to inefficiencies in resource utilization.

Synonyms

• Noun: garbage, refuse, trash, rubbish
• Verb: squander, expend, use up, consume
• Adjective: unused, unwanted, inefficient, ineffective

Related Words

• Waist
• Taste
• Caste
• Paste
• Haste

Example Sentences

• The factory produces a lot of waste that needs to be disposed of properly.
• Don waste your money on something you don need.
• The oil spill caused a lot of environmental waste.
• She felt like her talents were going to waste in her current job.
• The company is trying to reduce waste and become more efficient.