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.

---

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 )

---

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

See Examples For:

wastage

It also turns out a lot of wastage comes from using generative AI or agents for things that they’re simply not needed for.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

Faust added: "This obviously has potential to remove cold chain dependence, reduce wastage and improve access."

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

"The amount of wastage that has been caused by under-investment is just unbelievable. Where's the money gone?" he added.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

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

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