wasting

adjective

wast·​ing ˈwā-stiŋ 

1

: laying waste : devastating

2

: undergoing or causing decay or loss of strength

wasting diseases such as tuberculosis

Examples of wasting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s a lipstick loop, a key leash (no more wasting time rummaging around on your doorstep), an RFID-blocking compartment for your wallet, and multiple zippered and quick-access interior pockets. —Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2023

No more wasting time. —Dallas News, 4 Oct. 2022

One that’s too large may be overkill, using up too much electricity and unnecessarily wasting floor space. —Brett Dvoretz, chicagotribune.com, 1 Apr. 2021

The highly contagious disease was so wasting and terrifying that those who died of it were believed to leave their graves, infecting relatives and draining away blood and life, scholars have said. —Author: Michael E. Ruane, Anchorage Daily News, 1 Aug. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wasting

• chronic wasting disease

Medical Definition

wasting

1 of 2 adjective

wast·​ing ˈwā-stiŋ 

: undergoing or causing decay or loss of strength

wasting diseases such as tuberculosis

wasting

2 of 2 noun

: unintended loss of weight and lean body tissue characteristic of many diseases (as cancer, tuberculosis, and AIDS) : gradual loss of strength or substance : atrophy