noun
plural wastes
[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]
[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 Brit informal :a worthless person or thing
go to waste
to not be used :to be wasted
haste makes waste
lay waste to
verb
wastes; wasted; wasting
[+ obj] 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
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
adjective
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.
US