squander
UK: ˈskwɒndə | US: ˈskwɑːndər
vt. to waste (money, time, resources) in a reckless or foolish manner
vt. to scatter or disperse something haphazardly (archaic)
squander = squand<scatter> + er<verb suffix>
- squand<scatter>: Likely derived from dialectal English or Scandinavian roots, originally meaning "to disperse" or "spread out."
- er<verb suffix>: A common English suffix forming verbs, often indicating repetitive or habitual action.
Etymology Origin:
The word squander first appeared in the late 16th century, possibly influenced by the Old Norse skvandra ("to splash" or "spill"), reflecting the idea of careless dispersion. Over time, its meaning shifted from literal scattering (e.g., seeds, money) to metaphorical wastefulness, emphasizing irresponsible loss. The suffix -er reinforces the action’s repetitive nature, painting a vivid picture of ongoing mismanagement.
He squandered his inheritance on luxury cars and vacations.
Governments must not squander taxpayer money on ineffective programs.
She squandered her talent by refusing to practice.
The team squandered a 10-point lead in the final quarter.
Ancient civilizations often squandered natural resources, leading to their decline.