waste · noun /weɪst/Full view
Nouns: waste
Adjectives: waste, wasteful
Verbs: waste
Adverbs: wastefully
waste (BAD USE)
B1 U or no plural an unnecessary or wrong use of money, substances, time, energy, abilities, etc.
Dictionary examples:

That meeting achieved absolutely nothing - it was a complete waste of time.

She's been unemployed for two years and it's such a waste of her talents.

This food mixer's been a total waste of money - we never use it.

Learner example:

I don't [watch] m[uch] television because I think it's a waste of time. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

waste (UNWANTED MATTER)
B2 U unwanted matter or material of any type, often that which is left after useful substances or parts have been removed
Dictionary examples:

hazardous household waste, like leftover paint or insecticides

The group has raised concerns about how nuclear waste would be handled.

Oil spills are common, as is the dumping of toxic waste.

Learner example:

What I did to get it was send them an article based on some possible solutions to the problem of nuclear waste in my local area. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

waste · adjective /weɪst/
Nouns: waste
Adjectives: waste, wasteful
Verbs: waste
Adverbs: wastefully
waste
B1 Waste material is no longer needed and can be gotten rid of.
Dictionary example:

The Japanese recycle more than half of their waste paper.

Learner example:

I would really like to help you with picking up waste [paper] and glass from people's houses. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

waste · verb T /weɪst/
Nouns: waste
Adjectives: waste, wasteful
Verbs: waste
Adverbs: wastefully
waste
B1 to use too much of something or use something badly when there is a limited amount of it
Dictionary examples:

You waste a lot of water by taking a bath instead of a shower.

Come on, let's get started - we've wasted enough time already.

Don't waste your money on designer jeans.

Learner example:

It's nice to hear that you want to go to Colombia and I'm really happy because I can tell you all the details so you won't waste time and money. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

be wasted on sb
C2 to be of a type or quality that someone will not understand or enjoy
Dictionary example:

Good coffee is wasted on Joe - he prefers instant.

Learner example:

Many older pe[ople] can be heard grumbling that youth is wasted on the young, and I can see their point, though obviously I don't agree. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

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