Squander
Time, trust, and bonus checks can all disappear the same way: slowly at first, then all at once.
Learn This WordMeaning
To waste something, especially money or time, in a reckless or foolish way.
Memory trick
SQUANDER sounds like "wander" away, resources wander off without return.
Examples
Don’t squander the team’s focus on meetings that could be emails.
He squandered his savings on impulse purchases.
They squandered a first-mover advantage by shipping slowly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
Origin uncertain; possibly related to Scandinavian words for "disperse."
Usage Notes
Strong moral tone, implies regret-worthy waste. Common with time, money, opportunity, trust.
Real-life contexts
Use for time: "We’re squandering the sprint on rework."
Use for trust: "One breach can squander years of goodwill."
Use for money: "Let’s not squander budget on vanity features."
Common Mistakes
Squander is not the same as “spend.” Squander implies waste or misuse.
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Part of Speech
verb
Difficulty
intermediateMonthly Searches
~47,000
Related Words
Profligate
Recklessly extravagant or wasteful, especially with money or resources; morally dissolute.
Mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful; to reduce the harmful effect of something.
Prudent
Acting with or showing care and thought for the future; wise and cautious in practical affairs.