wastrel
UK: ˈweɪstrəl | US: ˈweɪstrəl
n. a wasteful or good-for-nothing person
n. (archaic) refuse or waste material
The word "wastrel" emerged in the late 16th century, combining "waste" (from Old French wast, meaning "desolate" or "uncultivated," and Latin vastus, "empty or ruined") with the pejorative suffix "-rel" (as in "scoundrel"). Originally, it referred to worthless land or refuse but evolved to describe a person who squanders resources or lives idly. The suffix "-rel" often implies contempt, reinforcing the negative connotation of irresponsible behavior.
The landlord dismissed the tenant as a wastrel for failing to pay rent.
In Victorian literature, the wastrel heir often squandered the family fortune.
Society viewed him as a wastrel, but he secretly donated to charities.
The factory dumped wastrel materials into the river, polluting it.
She refused to marry a wastrel who had no ambition.