Squander
Definition 1 of 2
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Regrettable Action
Using 'squander' implies regret for misusing something valuable, often by the person responsible. After the holiday sales, the manager realized that he had squandered the budget on ineffective advertising.
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Irreversible Loss
'Squander' suggests that the wasted resource, like time or chance, cannot be recovered. Without studying, he squandered his chance to pass the exam.
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Negative Judgment
The word 'squander' often carries a negative judgment about someone's decision or action. Critics say the government squandered taxpayers' money on unnecessary projects.