What does "wasting" mean?

1. (using poorly) using more of something than you need, or using it in a way that is not helpful. 2. (physical decline) the process of a person's body becoming very thin and weak, usually because of a serious illness. 3. (causing weakness) describing a disease that makes the body become weak and thin over time.

wasting

v. · n. · adj.

US //ˈweɪstɪŋ// UK //wˈeɪstɪŋ// wast·ing

1 using poorly (v.)
B1 Intermediate

using more of something than you need, or using it in a way that is not helpful.

the act of expending resources—such as time, money, or materials—carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose.

Example

Stop wasting your time on video games and finish your homework.

Example

The auditor identified several departments that were wasting significant portions of their annual budget on redundant software subscriptions.
- squandering
- misusing
- saving
- conserving
2 physical decline (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

the process of a person's body becoming very thin and weak, usually because of a serious illness.

the gradual loss of muscle or body mass, typically as a result of malnutrition, disease, or lack of use.

Example

The doctor was concerned about the muscle wasting in the patient's legs.

Example

Advanced stages of the syndrome are often characterized by severe muscle wasting and a general decline in metabolic function.
- atrophy
- emaciation
- growth
- strengthening
3 causing weakness (adj.)
C1 Advanced Technical Formal Medicine

describing a disease that makes the body become weak and thin over time.

causing a progressive loss of physical strength or substance; often used to modify 'disease'.

Example

He suffered from a wasting disease that left him unable to walk.

Example

The researchers are studying the genetic markers associated with various wasting conditions found in elderly populations.
- debilitating
- consuming

Last updated June 19, 2026