1. (noun)thriftlessness, waste, wastefulness the trait of wasting resources "a life characterized by thriftlessness and waste"; "the wastefulness of missed opportunities"
2. (noun)waste, wastefulness, dissipation useless or profitless activity; using or expending or consuming thoughtlessly or carelessly "if the effort brings no compensating gain it is a waste"; "mindless dissipation of natural resources"