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Definition of squander

squander

/ˈskwɑːn.dɚ/
squan · der
Adverb:squanderingly
•
Adjective:squandering
•
Past Simple:squandered
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Past Participle:squandered
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Present Participle:squandering
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squander Lexical Profile

squander Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To waste something, especially money, time, or resources, in a reckless and foolish manner.

Example

"He decided not to squander his inheritance on luxury cars and instead invested it in his education."

2

To allow an opportunity or advantage to pass or be lost through carelessness or inaction.

Example

"The home team managed to squander a three-goal lead in the final ten minutes of the championship match."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for squander

• Nearby Words

squall
squally
squalor
squander
squanderer
square
squarely

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 16th century with the sense 'to scatter' before shifting to 'to spend extravagantly'; the word is of uncertain origin, possibly a nasalized variant of the dialectal verb squadder ('to splash or scatter') or related to Scandinavian words meaning to splash or spill.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Squander. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/squander
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