verb
-
to spend wastefully or extravagantly; dissipate
-
an obsolete word for scatter
noun
Related Words
See spend.
Other Word Forms
- resquander verb (used with object)
- squanderer noun
- squanderingly adverb
- unsquandered adjective
Etymology
Origin of squander
First recorded in 1585–95; origin uncertain
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.
The botched rollout drew criticism, including from prominent blogger John Gruber, who said Apple “squandered” its credibility by advertising features it couldn’t properly deliver.
From MarketWatch
The author suggests that Bovino’s approach squandered taxpayer resources on operations like the National Guard-supported MacArthur Park deployment that yielded no arrests while generating widespread public criticism and viral mockery.
From Los Angeles Times
Leading 1-0 during the second half, Wales had chances to extend their advantage but, after wasting those, they squandered their hold on the match.
From BBC
It would have been unthinkable to squander two activities on the same bit of time!
From Literature
Many Angelenos believe the city’s leaders have squandered billions in funds meant to alleviate the homelessness crisis and allowed unhoused people to take over public space.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
