What does wastrel mean?
Wastrel is a chiefly literary noun for a person who squanders resources rather than using them purposefully, especially a young person whose idleness or prodigality makes him a burden. The term is strongly disapproving: it presents wasteful behavior not as a neutral economic fact but as a moral or character flaw, and it can imply both a spendthrift's extravagance and a good-for-nothing's failure to make a useful contribution. In older writing, “wastrel” often appeared in descriptions of idle sons, ne'er-do-wells, and other figures who failed to meet social expectations of productive adulthood. Modern speakers are more likely to say “spendthrift,” “prodigal,” or “good-for-nothing.” Although still understood, “wastrel” sounds dated, regional, and literary rather than neutral or casual, which makes it effective in historical narration, sharply drawn characterization, and occasionally ironic prose. The word is related to “waste,” but its figurative use developed beyond physical waste to condemn excess and purposelessness.
nounA wasteful, prodigal person, especially a young person who squanders money, time, or opportunities. By extension, it denotes an idle or worthless person.
- A prodigal or irresponsible person who squanders money, time, or opportunities, especially an idle or worthless young person.
"The old squire dismissed his spendthrift son as a wastrel who would squander the family inheritance."
"His father regarded the young spendthrift as a wastrel who would bring the family to ruin."
"The report dismissed the director as a wastrel, though the waste had been enabled by the organization's own poor planning."
The regular plural is wastrels, although the word itself is relatively uncommon in contemporary prose.
"The novel portrays a group of privileged wastrels who evade responsibility for their lives."
A wastrel wastes more than money: the word's literary glare targets idleness, excess, and wasted potential.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wastrel come from?
The word appeared in English during the 16th century as a derivative of “waster,” a term for a person who wastes, with the ending -el. “Waster” belongs to the older English vocabulary of squandering or diminishing resources, and “waste” is ultimately traced through French to Latin. In subsequent usage, “wastrel” became a derogatory label for a prodigal, idle, or worthless person.
How wastrel is actually used
The term is strongly disapproving and is chiefly literary, dated, and associated with British and Irish English. It may sound more pointed when applied to a young person expected to be productive, and it is occasionally used ironically.
Easily confused with wastrel
A waster is a wasteful person in general, whereas a wastrel usually denotes an idle, prodigal, or worthless young person and is now chiefly literary.