wasted

Wasted is the past tense of waste and functions as an adjective with several related meanings. In general, it describes something that has not been used to its full value or potential, or something that has been consumed or squandered without achieving a desired result. It can refer to resources, time, effort, or opportunities that were wasted.

In informal speech, wasted is common slang for being heavily intoxicated, usually from alcohol and sometimes drugs. Phrases such as "he was wasted" describe a state of extreme impairment or inebriation, and the term can be used more broadly to imply reckless behavior or excess.

In popular culture, wasted appears in video games and media. In the Grand Theft Auto series, "Wasted" is displayed on screen when the player's character dies, serving as a game over indicator. The word also functions as a common title or motif in songs and other media, reflecting themes of excess, ruin, or lost potential.

Medical usage includes "wasting" as a description of severe weight loss and muscle wasting, known as wasting syndrome or cachexia, often associated with chronic illness such as cancer or AIDS. In this sense, "wasted" describes a person who has become emaciated or weakened.

Other uses include the phrase "wasted time" or "wasted resources," indicating inefficient use or lost opportunities. The term is widely used in everyday language and professional contexts to express that something has not been achieved or preserved.