wasteful
UK: ˈweɪstfəl | US: ˈweɪstfəl
adj. using or expending resources carelessly or extravagantly
adj. producing or resulting in waste
The word "wasteful" combines "waste," derived from Old North French wast (meaning "desolate" or "uncultivated"), and the suffix "-ful," from Old English -full (meaning "full of"). Originally, "waste" referred to land left uncultivated or ruined, later evolving to mean unnecessary expenditure. The suffix "-ful" intensifies this notion, creating an adjective describing someone or something that excessively squanders resources. The logic mirrors how "waste" expanded from physical desolation to abstract extravagance.
Leaving the lights on all night is wasteful and increases electricity bills.
The company criticized the wasteful packaging of the product.
His wasteful habits drained his savings within a year.
Modern agriculture must reduce its wasteful use of water.
She found the banquet overly wasteful and opted for a simpler meal.