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Definition of wastrel

wastrel

/ˈweɪ.strəl/
was · trel
Plural:wastrels
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wastrel Lexical Profile

wastrel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A wasteful, self-indulgent, or good-for-nothing person who squanders money, time, or opportunities.

Example

"The novel tells the story of a wealthy wastrel who squanders his family fortune on foolish ventures before learning the value of hard work."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

waster
wastewater
wasting
wastrel
watauga
watauga falls
watch

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century from the verb 'waste' combined with the pejorative suffix '-rel' (as seen in 'scoundrel' and 'mongrel'), originally referring to waste land or defective manufactured goods before shifting to describe a profligate person.

Cite this Entry

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