noun

1. useless or profitless activity
    using or expending or consuming thoughtlessly or carelessly

    e.g. if the effort brings no compensating gain it is a waste
           mindless dissipation of natural resources

    Synonym: wastedissipation

2. the trait of wasting resources

    e.g. a life characterized by thriftlessness and waste
           the wastefulness of missed opportunities

    Synonym: thriftlessnesswaste