Wasten

To gradually diminish, decay, or consume something, especially through misuse, inefficiency, or neglect. It implies a reduction in value, quantity, or effectiveness over time, often suggesting an unfortunate depletion of resources or the loss of something beneficial. It can also describe the act of using something ineffectively, leading to a decrease in its potential. The term suggests a degree of carelessness or thoughtlessness in the way something is handled or utilized, resulting in its deterioration or eventual disappearance.

Wasten meaning with examples

• The prolonged drought threatened to wasten the once-fertile farmland, leaving the soil dry and unable to support crops. Farmers feared the potential for their livelihoods to diminish. Their entire financial future depended on the land remaining productive, so they had to work and find alternative sources of water. Their crops were very valuable to them.
• Over time, the constant exposure to the sun began to wasten the vibrant colors of the old paintings. The fading hues represented a slow loss of artistic expression. Each year they became less and less beautiful, the artists must have been sad to see their work being destroyed so slowly. Their art gave them a feeling of being alive.
• He feared that his lack of practice would wasten his skills as a pianist. He realised that he had to keep them in good condition so that he would be able to entertain people properly. So he was forced to stay at the top of his game. Eventually, he took his responsibilities more seriously and played everyday.
• Ignoring the warning signs, the company continued to wasten its financial resources on unprofitable ventures, jeopardizing its long-term stability. Eventually the losses were too big to recover from and they were forced to close the company down. This had many adverse effects on both the company and the employees.