1. to waste something valuable (such as money, time, or opportunities) in a reckless or foolish way

Examples

• He squandered his inheritance on gambling and expensive cars.
• Don’t squander this opportunity to study abroad.
• The team squandered a 20-point lead in the final quarter.
• She squandered her talent by refusing to practice regularly.
• The government was accused of squandering taxpayer money on unnecessary projects.
• We can’t afford to squander any more time on this failed approach.