squander
gb/skwˈɑndɚ/ us/skwˈɑndɚ/
C1
English
elpazarol, elszalaszt
VERB
C1
1
elpazarol
B2
Usage pattern:
squander [money/resources] (on [something])
He squandered his winnings on expensive cars and nights out.
A nyereményét drága autókra és bulizásra pazarolta el.
The company squandered millions on a project that never launched.
A cég milliókat pazarolt el egy olyan projektre, amely végül sosem indult el.
Don’t squander water during a drought.
Learner examples
She squandered her money on shoes.
A pénzét cipőkre pazarolta el.
We should not squander food.
Nem szabad ételt pazarolnunk.
Common mistake:
Often confused with simply 'spend'—to squander implies waste and poor judgment.
Meaning
waste money or resources
Collocations
squander money
|squander a fortune
|squander savings
|squander an inheritance
|squander public funds
|squander taxpayer money
|squander resources
|squander a budget
|squander profits
|squander cash
Synonyms
waste (More general and less vivid than 'squander'.)
|
fritter away (Emphasizes wasting little by little, often on small things.)
|
blow (More informal; often about spending money quickly.)
Antonyms
save (Keep money or resources instead of wasting them.)
|
conserve (Use resources carefully to avoid waste.)
|
husband (Use resources sparingly and responsibly (more formal).)
Themes
money
|business
|daily_life
|resources
Definition
to waste money or resources by using them carelessly
To waste money, time, or other valuable resources through careless, foolish, or extravagant use, so that they are no longer available.
VERB
C1
2
elpazarol
B2
elszalaszt
B2
Usage pattern:
squander [opportunity/time/talent]
She squandered the chance to study abroad by missing the deadline.
Elszalasztotta a külföldi tanulás lehetőségét, mert lekéste a határidőt.
Don’t squander your talent—you’ve worked too hard to give up now.
Ne pazarold el a tehetségedet – túl sokat dolgoztál azért, hogy most feladd.
They squandered a two-goal lead in the final minutes.
Learner examples
He squandered his opportunity.
Elszalasztotta a lehetőségét.
I don’t want to squander my time.
Nem akarom elpazarolni az időmet.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'squander' for any missed chance; it usually suggests carelessness or irresponsible behavior, not just bad luck.
Meaning
waste a chance or potential
Collocations
squander an opportunity
|squander a chance
|squander time
|squander talent
|squander potential
|squander an advantage
|squander a lead
|squander years
|squander your youth
|squander a golden opportunity
Synonyms
waste (More general; does not always imply irresponsibility.)
|
throw away (More emotional; emphasizes losing something valuable unnecessarily.)
|
miss (Often neutral; may lack the idea of careless misuse.)
Antonyms
seize (Act quickly to take advantage of an opportunity.)
|
capitalize on (Use an opportunity effectively to gain a benefit.)
|
make the most of (Use time or opportunities as well as possible.)
Themes
work
|education
|self_improvement
Definition
to waste a good chance or ability by not using it well
To fail to make good use of an opportunity, advantage, talent, or time, so that it is lost or has little value.
Grammar
Dictionary form
squander
IPA
GB/skwˈɑndɚ/
US/skwˈɑndɚ/
Syllables & stress
squander (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (squander)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: squander
- 3rd Person Singular: squanders
- Present Participle: squandering
- Past: squandered
Expressions
squander (something) on (someone/something)
1/skwˈɑndɚ sˈʌmθɪŋ ˈɔn sˈoʊmˈoʊnsəmˈɛθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
waste money on something
to waste money by buying things that are not worth it
Examples
- They squandered thousands on a wedding they couldn’t afford.
- He squandered his savings on risky investments.
- She accused the government of squandering money on pointless projects.
Learner examples
- He squandered money on games.
squander away
1/skwˈɑndɚ əwˈeɪ/
phrasal verb
waste completely over time
to waste something until it is gone
Examples
- He squandered away his inheritance within a few years.
- She didn’t want to squander away her summer watching TV every day.
- The team squandered away its early lead.
Learner examples
- He squandered away his money.
- Don’t squander away your time.