Wastrel

usgb/ˈweɪstrəl/
noun

A person who wastes their money, resources, or opportunities.

He quickly squandered his inheritance, revealing himself to be a wastrel
Visual representation of "wastrel" - A person who wastes their money, resources, or opportunities

Often appears as...

  • worthless wastrel
  • profligate wastrel

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "wastrel"
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Negative Connotation

Wastrel has a negative tone, suggesting strong disapproval of the person's behavior.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
After years of gambling and drinking, he became known as the village wastrel.
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Literary Usage

Wastrel is often used in literature to depict a character who is reckless with their life.

Illustration for Literary Usage
The novel's hero is contrasted against his brother, a carefree wastrel.
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Victorian Context

Originally, 'wastrel' referred to waste material, like scraps, and it's a term from the Victorian era.

Illustration for Victorian Context
He was no better than a wastrel, throwing away his family's hard-earned fortune.
Visual representation of the word "Wastrel"

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