B1noun 1K

Waste

🇬🇧 UK /["/weɪst/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/weɪst/"]/

Meaning of Waste

the act of using something in a careless or unnecessary way, causing it to be lost or destroyed

In simple words: to use something in a way that is not effective or useful

Waste in a sentence

• We should try to reduce waste by recycling more often.
• The waste from the factory was harmful to the environment.
• Don't waste your time on unimportant tasks.
• It's a waste of resources to leave the lights on in unused rooms.
• She felt it was a waste of energy to argue about trivial matters.

How to use Waste

Used in contexts where resources, time, or opportunities are not used efficiently. Less appropriate in formal writing unless discussing economics or environmental issues.

Grammar pattern

waste + object

Memory hint

Think of 'wasting' food - imagine a plate of food being thrown away.

Related words

Collocations with Waste

• absolute
• complete
• total
• go to
• cause
• avoid
• waste of
• absolute
• complete
• total
• go to
• cause
• avoid
• waste of
• dangerous
• harmful
• hazardous
• create
• generate
• produce
• contaminate something
• pollute something
• collection
• disposal
• incineration
• dangerous
• harmful
• hazardous
• create
• generate
• produce
• contaminate something
• pollute something
• collection
• disposal
• incineration
• desert
• frozen
• icy

Synonyms for Waste

• squander
• misuse
• deplete
• fritter away
• dissipate

Opposites of Waste

• conserve
• save
• utilize

Common mistakes with Waste

• Confused with 'waist' - the body part
• Using 'waste' as a noun without context, forgetting it can also be a verb
• Saying 'wasting of' instead of just 'wasting'

Frequently asked questions about Waste

What does Waste mean?

to use something in a way that is not effective or useful

What is the definition of Waste?

the act of using something in a careless or unnecessary way, causing it to be lost or destroyed

How do you use Waste in a sentence?

We should try to reduce waste by recycling more often.

Can you give another example of Waste?

The waste from the factory was harmful to the environment.

What are synonyms for Waste?

Common alternatives include squander, misuse, deplete, fritter away, dissipate.

What is the opposite of Waste?

Opposite meanings include conserve, save, utilize.

What words go with Waste?

It commonly pairs with absolute, complete, total, go to, cause, avoid, waste of, absolute, complete, total, go to, cause, avoid, waste of, dangerous, harmful, hazardous, create, generate, produce, contaminate something, pollute something, collection, disposal, incineration, dangerous, harmful, hazardous, create, generate, produce, contaminate something, pollute something, collection, disposal, incineration, desert, frozen, icy.

What are common mistakes when using Waste?

Confused with 'waist' - the body part Using 'waste' as a noun without context, forgetting it can also be a verb Saying 'wasting of' instead of just 'wasting'

How do you pronounce Waste?

US: /["/weɪst/"]/, UK: /["/weɪst/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Waste?

Used in contexts where resources, time, or opportunities are not used efficiently. Less appropriate in formal writing unless discussing economics or environmental issues.

What CEFR level is Waste?

"Waste" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.