squander
SKWAHN-dur
/ˈskwɑːndər/
To waste (something, especially money or time) in a reckless and foolish manner.
Carries a strong moral judgment; it suggests that the resource was valuable and the waste was irresponsible.
The story behind the word. The origin is mysterious, appearing in English in the late 16th century. It may be related to the dialect word 'squander' meaning to scatter or disperse. Shakespeare used it in 'The Merchant of Venice' to describe ships scattered across the ocean.
Word relationships
- fritter: Frittering is wasting something bit by bit; squandering is often more wholesale and reckless.
- dissipate: Dissipate suggests a scattering or thinning out of resources until nothing is left.
- conserve: To protect from loss or harm.
- economize: To spend less or use less of a resource.
Commonly confused with
- waste: Waste is the general term; squander is more intense and implies foolishness.
Word family
- squanderer (noun): A person who wastes resources recklessly.
Collocations
- squander an opportunity
- squander resources
- squander wealth
Example sentences
- "Do not squander your inheritance on fleeting pleasures." A warning about wasting potential.
- "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of." Advice on time management. (Benjamin Franklin)
Memory hook
It sounds like 'wander.' If you let your money 'wander' away without a plan, you 'squander' it. Squander: Wander away from wisdom.
When not to use
Don't use it for minor, accidental waste. Use it when someone had a great opportunity or resource and threw it away through laziness or stupidity.
Fun facts
- In the 1600s, 'squander' could simply mean to scatter people or things, without the negative connotation of wasting them.
Related words
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.