ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wasted

adj.
US //ˈweɪstɪd// UK //wˈeɪstɪd// wast·ed
  1. 1 not used well (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used for something that was lost or thrown away without being used for a good reason.

    describing a resource, effort, or period of time that has been expended without producing a useful result.

    Example

    All that food was wasted because nobody came to the party.

    Example

    The committee felt that the entire budget had been wasted on administrative overheads rather than direct community support.

    Usage

    Often follows the verb 'to be' or 'to go'.
  2. 2 drunk or high (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Slang Informal

    very drunk or under the influence of drugs.

    extremely intoxicated by alcohol or drugs to the point of impaired physical or mental function.

    Example

    He got so wasted at the wedding that he couldn't remember the speeches.

    Example

    The security guards had to escort several wasted patrons out of the venue before the main act even started.

    Teacher's tip

    This is very informal; students should avoid using it in professional or academic contexts.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 thin and weak (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Formal Medicine

    looking very thin, weak, and unhealthy, often because of a long illness.

    exhibiting extreme physical emaciation or atrophy, typically as a result of chronic disease or malnutrition.

    Example

    The patient looked wasted after months of fighting the infection.

    Example

    The clinical report noted the patient's wasted appearance, suggesting a significant loss of muscle mass due to the underlying condition.

© 2026 English Reference