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

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

Raducanu lost one serve after squandering a match point at 5-2 with a double fault, could not take three more opportunities in the ninth game, but finally sealed victory at the sixth time of asking.

From BBC

Yes, the L.A. native and childhood Dodgers fan had squandered a dream opportunity to pitch the club to a championship.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blow
• expend
• lavish
• misuse
• waste