waste
verb (used with object)
to consume, spend, or employ uselessly or without adequate return; use to no avail or profit; squander.
were 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.
She supported equal rights and opportunities for women—but resented suggestions that stay-at-home moms were wasting their lives.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 21, 2025
Konstas, 19, exchanged words with bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the final over when India complained Australia were wasting time.
From BBC ● Jan. 3, 2025
They had been assured that they were wasting their time.
From New York Times ● Nov. 8, 2022
“I told them that it was crazy stuff and they were wasting their time and it was doing a great grave disservice to the country,” Barr said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 13, 2022
The other, older and more interested in watching football on television, thought they were wasting their time.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
