waste
verb (used with object)
to consume, spend, or employ uselessly or without adequate return; use to no avail or profit; squander.
was wasting
-
past progressiveof waste.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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 retired Canadian insurance adviser was 93, and "was wasting away" after a long battle with prostate cancer.
From Barron's ● Feb. 25, 2026
“I often felt like I was wasting my time.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 15, 2025
The DBT said it was "wasting no time" supporting UK steel, pointing to the government's backing of expanding Heathrow Airport, which it said would require 400,000 tonnes of steel.
From BBC ● Feb. 15, 2025
Some critics complained that he was wasting his considerable talent.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2024
I could see I was wasting my breath.
From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis
