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desperdicio

waste

noun deh-spehr-DEE-syoh Rare

Also means

garbage

Usage Note

Desperdicio means waste in the sense of squandering something valuable, as in desperdicio de tiempo (waste of time) or desperdicio de comida (food waste). In the plural, desperdicios commonly means 'scraps' or 'rubbish.' It is related to the verb desperdiciar (to waste/squander). Do not confuse with basura (trash/garbage), which is more about discarded objects.

Examples

"Tirar comida es un gran desperdicio."

Natural Translation

Throwing away food is a great waste.

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