dissipation

American  

[dis-uh-pey-shuhn] / ˌdɪs əˈpeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of dissipating.

2. the state of being dissipated; dispersion; disintegration.

3. a wasting by misuse.

   the dissipation of a fortune.

4. mental distraction; amusement; diversion.

5. dissolute way of living, especially excessive drinking of liquor; intemperance.

6. Physics, Mechanics. a process in which energy is used or lost without accomplishing useful work, as friction causing loss of mechanical energy.

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dissipation British  

/ ˌdɪsɪˈpeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of dissipating or condition of being dissipated

2. unrestrained indulgence in physical pleasures, esp alcohol

3. excessive expenditure; wastefulness

4. amusement; diversion

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dissipation Scientific  

/ dĭs′ə-pā′shən /

1. The loss of energy from a physical system, most often in the form of heat.

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Etymology

Origin of dissipation

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin dissipātiōn-, stem of dissipātiō; equivalent to dissipate + -ion

Explanation

Dissipation is the act of breaking up and scattering or spreading widely. With the dissipation of the clouds, you could enjoy the sunny afternoon — if only you didn't have to work. Dissipation also refers to wasteful or thoughtless spending or activity. Your habit of taking old clothes and appliances to the dump instead of donating them to charities is a kind of dissipation. Dissipation can also mean a life of indulgence, in which health and wealth are squandered in the pursuit of pleasure. Your uncle's life of dissipation, throwing money at wine and women, will ultimately only bring heartache.

Example Sentences

Director Rory Pelsue zeroed in on desire and dissipation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

So the researchers posit that the only possible scenario is that fast dissipation of the ash cloud allowed for very quick cooling, ensuring that the shards were vitrified before being buried.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2025

To address the issue, researchers worldwide have turned their attention to the interfacial heat dissipation between MOFs and the materials they come into contact with.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2024

What's more, the designs that are deployed tend to have a low wave dissipation per unit volume of material used.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2024

“Age, worry, and dissipation have left deep lines on the medium’s face—a face that at one time must have been handsome.”

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Related Words

• diffusion
• wastage