squander

[skwon-der]

verb (used with object)

1. to spend or use (money, time, etc.) extravagantly or wastefully (often followed byaway ).

   Synonyms: lavish, dissipate, waste
   Antonyms: save

2. to scatter.

noun

1. extravagant or wasteful expenditure.

squander

/ ˈskwɒndə /

verb

1. to spend wastefully or extravagantly; dissipate

2. an obsolete word for scatter

noun

1. rare,  extravagance or dissipation

Other Word Forms

• squanderer noun
• squanderingly adverb
• resquander verb (used with object)
• unsquandered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squander¹

First recorded in 1585–95; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of squander¹

C16: of unknown origin

Synonym Study

See spend.

Example Sentences

Every bit of Snell’s excellence was required too — thanks, first and foremost, to the Dodgers’ squandered opportunity in the top of the fourth.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In many ways, GM is trying to regain a position it squandered decades ago.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The teams struck out 37 times and stranded 22 men on base, with both sides squandering opportunities to seal a victory.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But Alexander saw enough talent squandered in New Orleans to know that size and strength alone couldn’t ensure a ticket out.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Don’t squander it by falling victim to any more entitled ne’er-do-wells.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• blow 
• expend 
• lavish 
• misuse 
• waste