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

"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

But England have continued to be in good positions with 15 men on the field and squander it by going to this low-risk rugby, which kills their momentum and gives the opposition a breather and an opportunity to counter-attack.

From BBC

Still, much uncertainty loomed, with the manager remaining wary of overtaxing his bullpen for a potential Game 7 — while also not wanting to squander a chance to end the series in six.

From Los Angeles Times

If we extract resources from other planets without fixing humanity, we will simply squander those resources too.

From Salon

The 49ers, who have lost three of four, are finding new ways to squander games.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blow
• expend
• lavish
• misuse
• waste