waste · n
waste (BAD USE)
B1 an unnecessary or wrong use of money, substances, time, energy, abilities, etc.
Dictionary examples:
Buying a treadmill was a waste - I use it as a clothes hanger now. (0.0)
Learning to juggle chainsaws was a waste of time for my office job. (0.0)
Memorizing pizza toppings was a waste of brain space for the exam. (0.0)
That meeting achieved absolutely nothing - it was a complete waste of time. (33.3)
She's been unemployed for two years and it's such a waste of her talents. (34.4)
This food mixer's been a total waste of money - we never use it. (60.6)
waste (UNWANTED MATTER)
B2 unwanted matter or material of any type, often that which is left after useful substances or parts have been removed
Dictionary examples:
The group has raised concerns about how nuclear waste would be handled. (48.2)
Oil spills are common, as is the dumping of toxic waste. (64.9)
hazardous household waste, like leftover paint or insecticides (82.8)