Vocabulary in context
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Squander
To waste something (such as money, time, or opportunities) by using it carelessly or foolishly.
verb💡
Imagine This
Imagine you have a fixed monthly budget. You impulsively buy gadgets and trendy outfits, and by month’s end your money is gone, with nothing useful to show for it.
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Sounds Like
SKWAN-der
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Looks Like
Looks like: the imagery evokes 'wander' and 'squad' — a group wandering away with resources.
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Remember This
Common collocations include squander time, squander money, and squander opportunities. It often describes wasting valuable resources rather than merely spending.
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Other Forms
squanderedverb
squanderingnoun
squanderernoun
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Connect With
waste, misuse, dissipate, fritter away, mis-spend
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Note
Always specify what is being wasted (time, money, opportunities). Do not confuse squander with simply spending; squander implies foolish or reckless waste.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- She squandered her inheritance on extravagant clothes and vacations.
- If you squander your time, you won't finish the project on schedule.
Synonyms
wastemisusedissipatefritter awaymis-spend
Antonyms
conservesaveeconomize
Etymology
Origin uncertain; first attested in 16th century English; possibly linked to Scottish or French roots referring to scattering or dispersing resources.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: Squad + Wander — picture a squad of people wandering away with money; that helps you remember that squander means to waste resources.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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