Raiskama

Raiskama is an Estonian verb meaning to waste, squander, misuse, or plunder. It covers the act of using resources, money, time, or materials in a way that reduces their value or purpose. The sense can range from everyday, informal talk about wasting time or money to more formal language addressing mismanagement or deliberate destruction of resources.

In use, raiskama is a transitive verb. Common constructions include raiskama aega (to waste time) and raiskama raha (to waste money). In passiva or impersonal clauses, one may speak of riigi varasid raisatakse (state resources are wasted or misused). The term generally carries a negative connotation and is applied to irresponsible or improper handling of resources or opportunities.

The noun form raiskamine denotes the act of waste or squandering, as in discussions of economic efficiency or governance. Related forms include the participle raiskav (wasting, wasteful) and the verb säästma (to save) as an antonym in many contexts.

The exact origin of raiskama is not widely documented, but it is regarded as a native Estonian verb with long-standing usage in both spoken and written language. It is commonly encountered in news reporting, political discourse, business writing, and everyday conversation when criticizing inefficient or exploitative conduct.