WASTEFUL Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

wasteful

adjective

ˈwāst-fəl

Definition of wasteful

as in extravagant

given to spending money freely or foolishly my one wasteful child always seemed to run out of money by midweek

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of wasteful Tightening accountability, closing loopholes, and ending wasteful corporate handouts would generate revenue without raising taxes on working families. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026 The current system — in which the federal government taxes a state’s residents and then gives some of that money back to fund programs that the states already administer — is convoluted and wasteful. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026 Bring up the unnecessary and wasteful government programs that should be eliminated. — Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026 Conservative officials and activists have increasingly portrayed home care as wasteful and rife with fraud. — Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wasteful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wasteful

Adjective

Like most of the country’s entries over the past decade, this blockbuster epic — a summer box office hit at home — makes for an extravagant display of the strength of the nation’s commercial film industry.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Noem was also under fire for extravagant spending at the department, while placing restrictions on FEMA disaster relief funds.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of extravagant

Adjective

Bournemouth were profligate, despite scoring through Marcus Tavernier and forcing a Malick Thiaw own goal, with multiple first-half chances wasted.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
This shift occasioned the profligate production that would mark her oeuvre, with Kusama going on to make hundreds of paintings in which forests of lines and dots cradled variously floral and phallic figures.

— News Desk, Artforum, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of profligate

Adjective

The 87 does, however, introduce a fresh onboard layout to the line, with a beam of 39 feet creating generous living quarters.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026
The cover lifts up and back, exposing the build platform, resin tank, and vertical motion system with generous access from the front and sides.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of generous

Adjective

In many states, including Maryland, debtors may exempt substantial assets from bankruptcy, including retirement accounts, spendthrift trusts and substantial equity in real estate (unlimited in Texas).

— George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2026
The bottom line was that the Trust was not a spendthrift trust under Illinois law.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Definition of spendthrift

Adjective

Charles’s prodigal son is said to be working on a documentary about his mother pegged to the 30th anniversary of her death, and reportedly hopes to secure Spencer’s participation.

— Ashley Baker, Air Mail, 3 Oct. 2026
Bonny orchestrates a one-car parade for Cooper that’s half return of the prodigal, half humiliation ritual.

— Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of prodigal

Adjective

Van Lemaster, 88, was booked into the Larimer County Jail on charges of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and reckless endangerment on Friday.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
In 2016, Zelich pled guilty to first-degree reckless homicide in the death of Gamez and one count of hiding a corpse.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of reckless

Adjective

Josh Hoover may have been a bit careless, but every game TCU has played this season is another painful example how badly both his old school, and coach, miss him.

— Mac Engel October 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
Red Raiders quarterback Will Hammond can be careless with the football, throwing three interceptions against Sam Houston last weekend and posting five picks in four games.

— Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of careless

Adjective

Because the right is viewed as divisive by liberal corporations, and the left is viewed as empathetic common sense.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
This process is evident in Egypt and Turkey, where declining mosque attendance has accompanied the growing appeal of liberal values, particularly secularism.

— Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026