squander

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "squander" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to the wasteful use of something, particularly money. Example sentence: She squandered her inheritance on expensive gifts for her friends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Privacy advocates who oppose the USA Freedom Act consider the bill to squander the unique legislative opportunity afforded by Section 215's expiration.

The Guardian

I will not squander the gains … hard won by the British people.

The Guardian - Opinion

David Mitchell, the perpetually mildly annoyed UK comedian and writer, thinks about a perpetual furniture company that won't squander resources by making cheap furniture from "MDF and hope".

The Guardian

Given how many of them we squander on pleasantries, you'd be forgiven for forgetting their universal import.

The Guardian - Opinion

I owe it to them to not squander their sacrifices, but to make full use of the right that they fought so hard for.

The Guardian

I think the country is ready for this now and I don't think we should squander that," she says.

The Guardian

It is hard to believe that Europe's policymakers would squander their progress in calming the single currency's crisis by botching the bail-out of such a minnow.

The Economist

But Mexico's murder rate is now falling, albeit slowly, for the first time in five years.A vast country with deeply ingrained problems and unreformed corners, Mexico could yet squander the opportunities that are coming its way.

The Economist

With less hyperbole but plenty of exasperation, Mr Sullivan, an advocate of marriage equality since the 1990s, was first out of the gates to lament the "hounding of a heretic": "You want to squander the real gains we have made by argument and engagement by becoming just as intolerant of others' views as the Christianists?

The Economist

Since first-year lawyers at big firms now earn $160,000 a year, their time has become too valuable to squander on training.

The Economist

They think quarrelsome coalition governments can squander their mandates by descending into unaccountable compromises.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "squander" when you want to emphasize the irresponsibility or foolishness of wasting something valuable. It's more impactful than simply saying "waste".

Common error

While both relate to using resources, "spend" is neutral, while "squander" implies wasteful or foolish usage. Avoid using "squander" when simply describing an expenditure without a negative judgment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "squander" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of wasting something, especially money or resources, in a reckless and foolish manner. Ludwig AI confirms that it can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "squander" is a transitive verb that means to waste something, especially money or resources, in a reckless and foolish manner. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. The word carries a negative connotation, implying disapproval of the wasteful action. Related phrases include "waste", "dissipate", and "fritter away". A common mistake is confusing "squander" with the neutral term "spend". When writing, remember that "squander" is more impactful than "waste" and don't use it for simple expenditures. Understanding the nuances of "squander" will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waste

A more general term for using something carelessly or inefficiently.

dissipate

Implies a gradual disappearance or vanishing of something, often energy or resources.

fritter away

Suggests wasting time, money, or energy on trivial things.

misspend

Specifically refers to spending money unwisely or on inappropriate things.

lose

Indicates failing to keep or maintain something valuable, often an opportunity.

misuse

Using something in an incorrect way or for an improper purpose.

throw away

To get rid of something as if it has no value or is not useful.

deplete

To reduce the amount of something, especially a natural resource.

exhaust

To use up completely; drain.

abuse

Using something to bad effect or for a bad purpose; misuse.

FAQs

How can I use "squander" in a sentence?

You can use "squander" to describe wasting resources. For example, "The company may "squander" its profits on unnecessary expenses."

What's the difference between "squander" and "waste"?

"Waste" is a general term for using something inefficiently. "Squander" implies a more reckless or foolish misuse, often of valuable resources.

What can I say instead of "squander"?

You can use alternatives like "waste", "dissipate", or "fritter away" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "squander away"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "squander" already implies wasting something, so adding "away" can be redundant. It's often better to simply use ""squander"".