squander

Everyday

1. To squander something is to waste it foolishly, especially money, time or a chance. tree →
2. To squander a chance or talent is to fail to use it well. tree →

In the lessons

In money lessons squandering means spending money on things you do not need until it is gone. In stories (like the prodigal son in the Bible) it shows a careless character who later regrets it. In sport a team squanders a lead when it loses after being ahead. Phrases: squander money, squander a chance, squander time.

Examples

• He squandered all his pocket money on sweets. tree →
• Don't squander your time on silly games. tree →
• The team squandered a three-goal lead. tree →
• She squandered her chance to win. tree →
• In the Bible story, the younger son squandered his father's money. tree →
• It's a pity to squander such talent. tree →
• They squandered the water during the drought. tree →
• The two eldest of these lived in rioting and feasting, and thus wasted and squandered their father’s wealth till nothing remained, and they found themselves in want and misery. tree →

Note

Past form: squandered. It is stronger than «waste» and shows blame. Opposite: save, use wisely. In maths, «he squandered half of his 20 dollars» means he lost 10, so 10 is left.