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waste

1 waste /ˈweɪst/ noun
plural wastes
1 waste
/ˈweɪst/
noun
plural wastes
Britannica Dictionary definition of WASTE
[noncount] : loss of something valuable that occurs because too much of it is being used or because it is being used in a way that is not necessary or effective
[singular] : an action or use that results in the unnecessary loss of something valuable
[singular] : a situation in which something valuable is not being used or is being used in a way that is not appropriate or effective
: material that is left over or that is unwanted after something has been made, done, used, etc.
[noncount]
[count]
see also toxic waste
[noncount] : the solid and liquid substances that are produced by the body : feces and urine
wastes [plural] literary : a large and empty area of land : wasteland

a waste of space

chiefly British, informal
: a worthless person or thing

go to waste

: to not be used : to be wasted

haste makes waste

see haste

lay waste to

see 1lay
2 waste /ˈweɪst/ verb
wastes; wasted; wasting
2 waste
/ˈweɪst/
verb
wastes; wasted; wasting
Britannica Dictionary definition of WASTE
[+ object]
: to use (something valuable) in a way that is not necessary or effective : to use more of (something) than is necessary
: to use (something or someone) in a way that does not produce a valuable result or effect : to fail to use (something or someone) in an appropriate or effective way
often used as (be) wasted
slang : to kill or murder (someone)

waste away

[phrasal verb]
: to become thinner and weaker because of illness or lack of food

waste no time

: to do something quickly

waste not, want not

used to say that if you never waste things you will always have what you need

waste your breath

see breath
3 waste /ˈweɪst/ adjective
3 waste
/ˈweɪst/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of WASTE
always used before a noun
: of, relating to, or being material that is left over or unwanted after something has been made, done, used, etc.