squander
verb (used with object)
to spend or use (money, time, etc.) extravagantly or wastefully (often followed byaway ).
squandered
-
past participleof squander.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof squander.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
squanderverb (used with object)to spend or use (money, time, etc.) extravagantly or wastefully (often 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.
From the Moneyist archives, here is Exhibit A: My sister squandered our parents’ millions, asked me to give her $10,000, then made me a tempting offer.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026
Fritz squandered a pair of match points at 40-15 and gave himself another with a booming forehand.
From Barron's ● Aug. 3, 2026
The Americans squandered a generous draw, a high-price coach and a golden opportunity to capture a new generation by blowing their shot at a first quarterfinal in 24 years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026
The left-hander started brightly and broke serve early on, but he squandered a set point at 5-4 up and Pinnington Jones, 23, struck back thanks to a lucky net-cord winner.
From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026
It is hard to imagine Tom Smith surrounded by the artificialities of show business, standing in a glitzy showring, loosing horses to run in chaotic sprints, and not think that something precious was being squandered.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
