Definition

Verb: - To spend or use (time, money, or resources) in a wasteful or frivolous manner, on insignificant things.

Usage

This verb is transitive and requires an object (e.g., time, money, an opportunity). It describes the action of squandering something valuable on trivial pursuits. It often carries a tone of criticism or regret for the waste.

Examples

• Verb:
  • He trifled away his entire inheritance on gambling and lavish parties.
  • Don't trifle away your youth; use this time to learn and grow.
  • She regretted trifling away the afternoon scrolling through social media.

Advanced Usage

• "to trifle away one's chances": To waste or ruin one's opportunities through careless or frivolous actions.
  • By not preparing for the interview, he trifled away his chances of getting the job.

Variants and Related Words

• Trifle (verb): To treat or deal with someone or something without seriousness or respect. (e.g., )
• Trifling (adjective): Of little value or importance; insignificant. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Squander: To waste (something, especially money or time) in a reckless or foolish manner.
• Fritter away: To waste money, time, or energy on trifling matters (often used with "away").
• Waste: To use or expend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Fritter away: Very similar in meaning and construction to "trifle away," meaning to waste bit by bit on unimportant things.
  • She frittered away her savings on online shopping.

Related Idioms

• "To fritter away one's time/money": An idiom nearly identical in meaning to "trifle away," emphasizing gradual waste on trivialities.

Verb

1. spend wastefully
   • wanton one's money away