desperdiçar

Senses

1. 1.

   to waste

   to use or expend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose

2. 2.

   to squander

   to spend or use money, time, or resources foolishly or recklessly

Examples

• "Não desperdiçe água durante a seca."

  Don't waste water during the drought.

• "Ele desperdiçou toda a herança em apostas."

  He squandered the entire inheritance on gambling.

• "É uma pena desperdiçar tanto talento."

  It's a shame to waste so much talent.

Usage

Common collocations include "desperdiçar tempo" (waste time), "desperdiçar dinheiro" (waste money), "desperdiçar comida" (waste food), and "desperdiçar oportunidades" (waste opportunities). The noun form is "desperdício" (waste/wastefulness). Register is neutral and appropriate for all contexts.