using more of something than is necessary, especially money, time, or resources, tending to waste or squander resources

Formal and Informal Expressions of wasteful

In different contexts, you can replace 'wasteful' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'extravagant, uneconomical' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'wasteful spending, money down the drain' is a commonplace synonym.

wasteful: Explore its Definition & Usage

wasteful Definition

1using more of something than is necessary, especially money, time, or resources
2tending to waste or squander resources

Using wasteful: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wasteful" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
Buying bottled water is wasteful when you can drink tap water.
Example
He was criticized for his wasteful spending habits.
Example
The company's wasteful practices led to environmental damage.
Example
Leaving the lights on all night is a wasteful use of electricity.

wasteful Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for wasteful

Antonyms for wasteful

Phrases with wasteful

wasteful expenditure
spending money on things that are not necessary or useful
Example
The government was criticized for its wasteful expenditure on unnecessary projects.
wasteful use of resources
using resources in a way that is not efficient or productive
Example
The factory was shut down due to its wasteful use of resources.
wasteful habits
behaviors that lead to the unnecessary use of resources
Example
We need to change our wasteful habits and start conserving water and energy.

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Summary: wasteful in Brief

The term 'wasteful' [ˈweɪstfəl] refers to using more resources than necessary, often in terms of money, time, or materials. It can describe behaviors like leaving lights on all night or buying bottled water instead of drinking tap water. 'Wasteful' extends into phrases like 'wasteful expenditure,' and idioms like 'money down the drain,' denoting a sense of loss or futility.