Pronunciation: [wˈe͡ɪstɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "wasting" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end. This indicates that the "a" in the middle is pronounced with a long "a" sound, like "ay." The IPA phonetic transcription for "wasting" is /ˈweɪstɪŋ/. The first syllable is pronounced "way," like the word for a route or direction. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, like "ih." Overall, "wasting" is pronounced as "way-sting."
Wasting is a term that refers to the process of gradually or rapidly losing substance, energy, strength, or value over time. It can be used in various contexts to describe the description and deterioration of a variety of things, including physical objects, natural resources, living organisms, or even time.
When referring to physical objects, wasting often implies a decline in quality, efficiency, or functionality. For example, an electronic device may experience wasting as its components slowly deteriorate, causing it to operate less effectively or fail altogether. Similarly, a material may undergo wasting if it becomes brittle, worn out, or otherwise weakened due to use or exposure.
In relation to natural resources, wasting refers to the depletion, squandering, or deterioration of these valuable assets. It implies an inefficient or uncontrolled use of resources without regard for their finite nature or potential consequences. For instance, wasting of water can occur when it is used excessively or with little consideration for conservation, leading to scarcity or environmental damage.
When applied to living organisms, wasting refers to a progressive decline in health, vitality, or physical condition. It often suggests an excessive loss of body mass or muscle, either due to malnutrition, disease, or other factors. Wasting can be seen in conditions such as severe illnesses, where the body loses its ability to maintain proper bodily functions.
Overall, wasting encapsulates the idea of gradual or sudden loss in substance, value, or quality across a wide range of areas, highlighting the detrimental consequences of mismanagement, neglect, or improper utilization.
Diminishing by dissipation; consuming by slow degrees.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "wasting" originated from the Old English word "wæsting", which is derived from the verb "wæstan". "Wæstan" means "to lay waste, ravage, or destroy" and can also be translated as "to be destroyed or consumed". It is ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic root "*wastijaną". This root has Indo-European origins and is related to the Latin word "vastǐtas", meaning "desolation" or "emptiness". Over time, the word "wasting" has come to refer to the act or process of diminishing or losing substance, strength, or value.
