Squander

To squander is to waste something, especially time or money, in a reckless or foolish manner. This term often implies a disregard for the value of what is being wasted, reflecting poor decision-making and a lack of foresight. When resources are squandered, they are often lost to unproductive activities or unnecessary expenditures, leaving the individual or group at a disadvantage. The act of squandering can lead to regret and missed opportunities, as well as potential financial or personal hardship.

Squander meaning with examples

• After winning the lottery, Tom decided to squander his winnings on flashy cars and extravagant parties instead of investing or saving them. Within a year, he found himself broke and regretting the decisions he made, realizing that his moment of fortune had faded into memories of wasted opportunities and fleeting pleasures that did not bring him lasting happiness.
• In college, Sarah often squandered her time by skipping classes and procrastinating on assignments, believing that she could manage it all at the last minute. As deadlines approached, she realized that these choices hurt her academic performance, leaving her scrambling to catch up and feeling stressed. She learned the hard way that valuing her time could lead to better results.
• During the budget meeting, the manager expressed concern over how the department had squandered its resources on unnecessary supplies and lavish team-building events. He emphasized that a strategic approach to spending would allow them to achieve their goals without waste, stressing the importance of making informed decisions rather than indulging in momentary pleasures.
• When Mark inherited a small fortune, he thought he could live extravagantly without a care in the world. Sadly, he chose to squander it on lavish vacations and unnecessary luxuries, failing to save for the future. As the funds dwindled, he was left to face his financial irresponsibility, wishing he had made wiser choices about his inheritance.