squander

[ skwon-der ]

verb (used with object)

1. to spend or use (money, time, etc.) extravagantly or wastefully (often followed by away ).

   Synonyms: lavish, dissipate, waste

   Antonyms: save

2. to scatter.

noun

1. extravagant or wasteful expenditure.

squander

/ ˈskwɒndə /

verb

1. to spend wastefully or extravagantly; dissipate
2. an obsolete word for scatter

noun

1. rare.
   extravagance or dissipation

Derived Forms

• ˈsquanderer, noun

Other Words From

• squander·er noun
• squander·ing·ly adverb
• re·squander verb (used with object)
• un·squandered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squander¹

First recorded in 1585–95; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of squander¹

C16: of unknown origin

Synonym Study

See spend.

Example Sentences

But this week, against one of the best red zone teams in the nation, USC won’t be able to get away with squandering such golden opportunities.

From Los Angeles Times

“The current administration squandered the advantages it had inherited and did not invest in capacity building, foster programs, animal wellbeing, public and staff safety and customer service,” Best Friends said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Tennessee committed a penalty and was forced to punt, an opportunity squandered.

From Los Angeles Times

But after Maiava fumbled away one drive deep in USC’s own territory, and the Trojans’ special teams squandered another with a blocked kick, Maiava stood behind the line on fourth and one, just across midfield.

From Los Angeles Times

"One of the most exciting discoveries in this research is that it is actually possible to nearly end plastic pollution with this Treaty. I'm cautiously optimistic, but we can't squander this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• blow
• expend
• lavish
• misuse
• waste