squander

[ˈskwɒndə(r)]

squander Definition

• 1. to waste something, especially money or time, in a reckless and foolish manner
• 2. to allow an opportunity to pass or be lost

Using squander: Examples

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

• Example

  He squandered all his inheritance on gambling.

• Example

  She squandered her youth on a dead-end job.

• Example

  Don't squander this chance to make a difference.

• Example

  The team squandered a two-goal lead in the second half.

squander Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for squander

• waste
• misspend
• blow
• fritter away
• throw away

Antonyms for squander

• save
• conserve

Idioms Using squander

• money down the drain

  money that has been wasted or lost due to poor decisions or actions

  Example

  All that investment turned out to be money down the drain when the company went bankrupt.

• time is money

  time is a valuable resource that should not be wasted

  Example

  We need to work efficiently and not waste time because time is money.

• throw good money after bad

  to continue to spend money on a failing project or investment

  Example

  The company was losing money on the project but they kept throwing good money after bad.

Phrases with squander

• squander away

  to waste or use up something in a foolish or careless way

  Example

  He squandered away all his savings on luxuries.

• squander one's talent

  to waste or fail to make use of one's natural abilities or skills

  Example

  He squandered his talent by not practicing enough.

• squandered opportunity

  an occasion where one fails to take advantage of a chance or situation

  Example

  The company's failure to invest in new technology was a squandered opportunity.

Origins of squander

from Middle English 'squaundren', meaning 'to scatter', from Old Northern French 'esquander', meaning 'to spend money extravagantly'

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Summary: squander in Brief

'Squander' [ˈskwɒndə(r)] means to recklessly waste something, such as money or time, or to let an opportunity slip away. Examples include 'He squandered all his inheritance on gambling' and 'Don't squander this chance to make a difference.' Phrases like 'squandered opportunity' and idioms like 'money down the drain' emphasize the negative consequences of wasting resources.