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

Unlike the Phillies, they didn’t squander their one opportunity for runs.

From Los Angeles Times

However, squandering a 14-point lead against Australia in round three - which they put right the following week - will come as the biggest frustration as another victory would have helped them avoid finishing fourth.

From BBC

It is a lopsided system that, some attorneys concede, risks squandering taxpayer money meant for victims who suffered egregious abuse as children in the county’s custody.

From Los Angeles Times

"Instead, that opportunity has been squandered, and we're faced with a continuation of the bad old days dressed up in a new set of adjectives."

From BBC

In a 5-4 extra-innings win over the Arizona Diamondbacks that lowered their magic number to clinch the National League West to one, the Dodgers again squandered a late-game lead when their traditional relievers faltered.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blow 
• expend 
• lavish 
• misuse 
• waste