fritter
verb (used with object)
to squander or disperse piecemeal; waste little by little (usually followed byaway ).
frittered
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past participleof fritter.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof fritter.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
fritterverb (used with object)to squander or disperse piecemeal; waste little by little (usually followed byaway ).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That’s just where they want to be heading into the NFC championship game at Seattle, where last month they frittered away a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter and wound up losing in overtime.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 19, 2026
A two-under 34 on the front nine failed to do that and when McIlroy frittered away two shots on the 10th, it was clear the championship was beyond his reach.
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2025
Giddy with the view across central Oregon and suddenly reconnected to cell service, I frittered away my smartphone battery during a solo climb on Mount Jefferson in October 2019.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 30, 2023
With shouts of “Go, Coco!” and “Allez, Coco!” emanating from the Court Philippe Chatrier stands, Gauff frittered away two break points as Swiatek served at 1-all.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 7, 2023
I’d frittered away the better part of a week and now that dream of a mountain had just crumbled to dust.
From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney
