wasted

[ wey-stid ]

adjective

1. waste ( defs 26, 27, 28 ).
2. done to no avail; useless:

   wasted efforts.

3. physically or psychologically exhausted; debilitated:

   to be wasted by a long illness.

4. Slang. overcome by the influence of alcohol or drugs.
5. Archaic. (of time) gone by.

wasted

/ ˈweɪstɪd /

adjective

1. not exploited or taken advantage of

   a wasted opportunity

2. useless or unprofitable

   wasted effort

3. physically enfeebled and emaciated

   a thin wasted figure

4. slang.
   showing signs of habitual drug abuse

Other Words From

• wasted·ness noun
• un·wasted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wasted¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; waste, -ed ²

Example Sentences

“Resources have been wasted on bureaucracy and, far too often, on indoctrination instead of empowering students with the skills they need to succeed.”

From Los Angeles Times

After returning from leave, the officer replied: “Apologies, I was obviously working on old information regarding withheld numbers. Sorry to have wasted your time on that.”

From BBC

It is a tidy date to start, but it looks like time wasted.

From BBC

As you've no doubt heard by now, Trump has wasted no time in naming Cabinet members and other staff.

From Salon

“Not even one second was wasted,” says someone who we called David.

From BBC

Related Words

• ripped
• stoned
• tipsy