WASTEFUL Meaning and
Definition
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Wasteful is an adjective that describes the tendency or act of using more resources, time, or energy than necessary, leading to the unnecessary depletion or loss of those resources. It refers to a careless or excessive expenditure, consumption, or use of something valuable or limited, resulting in inefficient or extravagant behavior.
When applied to tangible resources, wasteful can refer to excessive or unnecessary consumption or disposal of items, often leading to a reduced availability of such resources for future needs. For instance, wasteful use of water involves excessive or careless usage, resulting in a high volume of water being wasted without any productive outcome. Similarly, the wasteful consumption of electricity refers to unnecessary or extravagant usage of electrical power, leading to a depletion of energy resources.
In a broader sense, wasteful can also describe non-material aspects, such as time and effort. It characterizes actions or behaviors that lead to the squandering or inefficient utilization of opportunities, work, or talents. Wasteful practices in business operations involve the misallocation or mismanagement of resources, resulting in unnecessary costs or reduced productivity.
Overall, wasteful signifies a lack of consideration for the conservation and optimization of valuable resources, leading to inefficiency, excess, and depletion. It is essential to cultivate a mindful approach towards resource utilization and sustainable practices to avoid wasteful behavior and promote more responsible consumption and productivity.
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Expending without necessity or use; lavish; profuse; destructive.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Other Common Misspellings for WASTEFUL
Etymology of WASTEFUL
The word wasteful is derived from the verb waste, which can be traced back to the Old English word wastan or wæstan. This Old English word meant to ravage or cause to be empty. The Proto-Germanic root of wastan is wastijan, which ultimately comes from the Indo-European root wes-, meaning to remain empty or leave behind. Over time, wastan evolved and formed the basis for the Middle English word wasten, and eventually, the adjective wasteful emerged, meaning characterized by excessive or unnecessary waste.
Similar spelling words for WASTEFUL
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