wastage

American  

[wey-stij] / ˈweɪ stɪdʒ /

noun

1. loss by use, wear, decay, etc.

2. loss or losses as the result of wastefulness.

   The annual wastage of time due to illness is appalling.

3. the action or process of wasting.

   the steady wastage of erosion.

4. something that is wasted or waste materials.

   The river was befouled by factory wastage.

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wastage British  

/ ˈweɪstɪdʒ /

noun

1. anything lost by wear or waste

2. the process of wasting

3. reduction in size of a workforce by retirement, voluntary resignation, etc (esp in the phrase natural wastage )

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Usage

Waste and wastage are to some extent interchangeable, but many people think that wastage should not be used to refer to loss resulting from human carelessness, inefficiency, etc: a waste (not a wastage ) of time/money/effort etc

Etymology

Origin of wastage

First recorded in 1750–60; waste + -age

Example Sentences

South Sudan has begun rationing electricity in the capital, Juba, while Mauritius has imposed restrictions to reduce wastage especially in high-power consumption areas.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

They had been due to attend the exhibition the year before, but Declan died that weekend, in August 2023, having had the life-limiting muscle wastage condition.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2024

And there is always turnover, natural wastage as a human resources director might put it, at every election.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2024

This method ensures minimal raw material wastage and offers superior electrochemical performance, economic feasibility, and effectiveness compared to conventional methods.

From Science Daily • Mar. 15, 2024

There was no wastage whatever; the hens and ducks with their sharp eyes had gathered up the very last stalk.

From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell

Related Words

• diffusion