Standard Lemma guide

time-waster

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

Someone who wastes their own time or the time of others.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I showed him round the property thinking he was a prospective buyer, but in fact he was just a time-waster.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Something unproductive.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, informal

Examples

  • Email was supposed to improve business efficiency, but all too often it turns out to be a time-waster.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

Something which passes the time that may or may not be seen positively.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • This puzzle book is a good time-waster when my train is late.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: obibok — someone who wastes time
  • Finnish: ajanhukka — something unproductive
  • Polish: strata czasu — something unproductive