Squander: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS

Some people save every coin, while others spend without a second thought. The word ‘squander’ perfectly captures the idea of wasting money, opportunities, or time. Using the word in your writing or speaking allows you to show emotional clarity, judgment, and analytical thinking, essential skills for a high IELTS band score.

So, in this blog, we will discuss the meaning, history, and proper usage of the term ‘squander’, check your understanding through practical exercises, and add it to your IELTS Vocabulary words list for Band 8 or 9 to achieve your desired score.

Meaning of Squander

• Pronunciation: /skwɑːndər/ (sounds like skvawn·duh)

The verb ‘squander’ means ‘to carelessly waste money, time, opportunities, etc’. It is a powerful term often used in academic essays, journalism, political discussions, and IELTS responses to describe irresponsible or unwise use of valuable resources.

Common Collocations with ‘Squander’

Learning what is collocation for IELTS helps you use words naturally and accurately. Given below are some common collocations related to ‘squander’.

• Squander money
• Squander opportunities
• Squander time
• Squander resources
• Squander a chance

History and Origin of ‘Squander’

‘Squander’ has a distinctive origin rooted in expressive, colorful English usage. The word first appeared in the mid-16th century, possibly formed as an imitative word, mimicking the sound of careless activity, similar to ‘scatter’. It carried the suggestion of throwing things around with no care or purpose.
Over centuries, its meaning shifted metaphorically from physically scattering objects to wasting time, opportunities, or money without thought or responsibility.

Today, it is widely used when discussing misuse of financial resources, poor decision-making, and regretful missed chances.

Usage & Examples of Squander

Here are some examples of how the word ‘squander’ can be used in the correct contexts.

• The home team squandered a number of chances in the first half.
• They squandered the profits on expensive cars.
• England squandered a golden opportunity to score, seconds before the final whistle.
• His family felt he had squandered his musical talent.
• Many students squander valuable free time instead of preparing for competitive exams.
• The company squandered its resources on poorly planned campaigns.

IELTS Usage of ‘Squander’

Using the word ‘squander’ in IELTS Speaking or Writing Task 2, especially to criticize financial mismanagement, lost opportunities, poor planning, or irresponsible decisions demonstrates high-level vocabulary.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

• Question: Why do some people waste money even when they know it is limited?
• Sample Answer: “Many individuals squander money due to emotional spending, lack of financial education, or social pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle. In some cases, short-term pleasure overshadows long-term financial security. Without proper budgeting skills, small expenses quickly accumulate. This creates financial problems that could have been avoided with better planning and awareness.”

IELTS Writing Task 2

• Topic: Some people argue that governments spend too much money on space research, while others believe it is essential. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Answer Excerpt: Many critics believe that governments squander national funds on expensive space missions when they could instead be spent on healthcare, housing, and education. However, others argue that space research generates innovation, scientific understanding, and new technology that benefits society in the long term.

Synonyms and Antonyms of Squander

In the table, there are some synonyms and antonyms for ‘squander’, which you can use for IELTS Writing and Speaking, each explained with the meaning and a sample sentence.

Exercise to Master the Meaning of ‘Squander’

Now, it is time to complete the exercise that follow to improve your understanding of the word ‘squander’.

1 In academic writing, ‘squander’ most accurately means:

A To make optimal use of resources

B To waste something recklessly

C To organize resources efficiently

D To gather additional funding

2 Which situation describes someone squandering their potential?

A A gifted athlete skipping practice and failing to improve

B A student studying consistently every week

C A scientist publishing groundbreaking research

D A company improving its productivity

3 Select the sentence where ‘squander’ is used INCORRECTLY:

A “Many governments squander public funds due to corruption.”

B “If you squander your study time, your exam results may decline.”

C “The company squandered profits by improving its infrastructure.”

D “He squandered his inheritance on extravagant and impulsive purchases.”

4 Which option shows a synonym closest in meaning to ‘squander’?

A Preserve

B Misuse

C Allocate

D Conserve

5 In the context of national development, a government is said to squander resources when it:

A Invests heavily in education, research, and long-term development

B Uses funds transparently and efficiently

C Misallocates funds on short-term, ineffective or corrupt projects

D Expands healthcare facilities to underserved areas

Answer Keys

In conclusion, with a history rooted in expressive 16th-century English, ‘squander’ remains a widely used term in modern journalism, economics, politics, education, and IELTS responses. So, you can apply the word naturally and confidently in both speaking and writing tasks, improving clarity and demonstrating sophisticated IELTS vocabulary control.

Useful Links:

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• Woes - Word Of The Day For IELTS Speaking And Writing
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• Debase - Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking & Writing
• IELTS Vocabulary Booster Ebook - Artur Krotkov & Nadin Miles
• Advanced Vocabulary for IELTS 7.0-9.0: Practice Exercises and Answer Key (Part 1)