wastage

American  

[wey-stij] / ˈweɪ stɪdʒ /

noun

1. loss by use, wear, decay, etc.

2. loss or losses as the result of wastefulness.

   The annual wastage of time due to illness is appalling.

3. the action or process of wasting.

   the steady wastage of erosion.

4. something that is wasted or waste materials.

   The river was befouled by factory wastage.

---

wastage British  

/ ˈweɪstɪdʒ /

noun

1. anything lost by wear or waste

2. the process of wasting

3. reduction in size of a workforce by retirement, voluntary resignation, etc (esp in the phrase natural wastage )

---

Usage

Waste and wastage are to some extent interchangeable, but many people think that wastage should not be used to refer to loss resulting from human carelessness, inefficiency, etc: a waste (not a wastage ) of time/money/effort etc

Etymology

Origin of wastage

First recorded in 1750–60; waste + -age

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

wastage

Astronauts have strict exercise requirements but it can't stop all wastage.

From BBC ● Apr. 10, 2026

Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency has told McDonald's it must improve its sales strategy and take steps to improve food wastage.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2025

Once regarded as a by-product in cheese-making, whey protein has become increasingly popular for use in smoothies, food and for people using injectable weight loss medications to prevent muscle wastage.

From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2025

This method ensures minimal raw material wastage and offers superior electrochemical performance, economic feasibility, and effectiveness compared to conventional methods.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 15, 2024

There was no wastage whatever; the hens and ducks with their sharp eyes had gathered up the very last stalk.

From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell

Related Words

• diffusion