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  1. Home /
  2. Dictionaries /
  3. English Dictionary /
  4. waste resources

waste resources

/weɪst rɪˈsɔːrsɪz/
use resources inefficiently

The company was criticized for wasting resources on unnecessary projects.

The company used resources in a way that was not productive or efficient.


formalinformal

to use resources in a way that is inefficient, unnecessary, or harmful

Industrial processes often waste resources through poor management.

Factories and other industrial operations frequently use resources in a wasteful manner due to poor planning or oversight.

Wasting resources on short-term gains can harm long-term sustainability.

Focusing on immediate profits without considering future consequences can lead to the inefficient use of resources.

This phrase is commonly used in discussions about sustainability, economics, and business efficiency.

Business
informal

to fail to utilize resources to their full potential

The team wasted resources by not optimizing their workflow.

The team did not make the best use of their available resources, leading to inefficiency.

In business contexts, this phrase often refers to poor resource allocation or mismanagement.

Collocations

waste resources onuse resources inefficiently for a specific purposewaste resources throughuse resources inefficiently due to a specific cause

Synonyms

misuse resourcessquander resourceswaste assets

Antonyms

conserve resourcesoptimize resourcesutilize resources efficiently

Related Phrases

resource depletionphrase
the reduction of available resources due to overuse or waste
sustainable resource usephrase
using resources in a way that ensures they remain available for the future

Pro Tip

Avoiding Waste

To avoid wasting resources, plan carefully, monitor usage, and prioritize efficiency in all processes.

Gold Rule

Resource Management

Efficient resource management is key to sustainability and long-term success in any field.

Word Origin

The phrase combines the verb 'waste' (to use or spend carelessly) and 'resources' (assets or supplies that can be drawn upon). The concept of wasting resources has been discussed in economics and environmental science for centuries, emphasizing the importance of sustainable use.

Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in formal and informal contexts to criticize inefficient or harmful use of resources. It can apply to natural resources, financial assets, or any other type of resource.

Word Breakdown

waste
to use or spend carelessly
verb
+
resources
assets or supplies that can be drawn upon
noun
English Dictionary
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