What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wasteful
Example
Leaving the lights on all night is wasteful. [wasteful: adjective]
Example
Throwing away food that is still edible is wasteful. [wasteful: adjective]
extravagant
Example
Buying a designer handbag when you can't afford it is extravagant. [extravagant: adjective]
Example
Spending thousands of dollars on a single meal is extravagant. [extravagant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wasteful is more commonly used than extravagant in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts. Extravagant is more specific and is often used in the context of luxury spending.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between wasteful and extravagant?
Both wasteful and extravagant are informal words, but extravagant can be used in more formal contexts when referring to luxury spending.
