Word
wastage
UK/wˈeɪstɪdʒ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the amount of something that is lost or wasted when you make, store, or use it.
n. material, time, or resources lost through inefficient use, spoilage, or natural shrinkage during production, storage, or handling.
Examples
“The shop cuts food wastage with better planning.”
“The restaurant tracks daily wastage to see how much fresh produce spoils before use.”
“Despite improved cutting techniques, the factory still reports five percent wastage on every steel sheet entering the press.”
Examples
simple
“The shop cuts food wastage with better planning.”
contextual
“The restaurant tracks daily wastage to see how much fresh produce spoils before use.”
complex
“Despite improved cutting techniques, the factory still reports five percent wastage on every steel sheet entering the press.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “wastage” in context.
Verb
01. allow for wastage
“Builders usually allow for wastage when ordering tiles and timber.”
verb + prep + noun
02. avoid wastage
“Plan your meals carefully to avoid wastage during the week.”
verb + noun
03. minimize wastage
“Chefs are trained to minimize wastage when preparing ingredients.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. considerable wastage
“Poor insulation causes considerable wastage of heat in winter.”
adj + noun
05. excessive wastage
“The factory was criticised for excessive wastage of raw materials.”
adj + noun
06. natural wastage
“The company cut staff numbers through natural wastage rather than redundancies.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. food wastage
“Schools are running campaigns to tackle household food wastage.”
noun + noun
08. achieve a reduction in wastage
“The plant achieved a reduction in wastage through better training.”
09. allow for natural wastage
“When budgeting, managers allow for natural wastage of staff.”
10. cut down on wastage
“Restaurants are trying to cut down on wastage by donating surplus food.”
11. high rate of wastage
“Fast fashion creates a high rate of wastage in textiles.”
12. minimize unnecessary wastage
“The new system helps hospitals minimize unnecessary wastage of supplies.”
Real-World Examples
“And we have to face the fact that almost 50% of food wastage in the UK is domestic - the stuff we buy but don't eat.” “Smaller businesses like restaurants have aimed for zero wastage, but Unilever - which makes PG Tips and Ben & Jerry's ice cream - says it's the first global company to do so.” Etymology
From waste + -age.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/wastage