What term means to spend thoughtlessly; to waste time, money, or an opportunity?

What term means to spend thoughtlessly; to waste time, money, or an opportunity?

• A. Squander
• B. Credulity
• C. Pastoral
• D. Goad

Answer: (A)

This question tests the verb that means to spend thoughtlessly or wastefully with regard to time, money, or opportunities. Squander captures that sense of careless or foolish use of something valuable, often leaving a missed chance or lost value behind. It’s commonly used when resources are not just spent, but spent without giving them their proper value or return—like wasting hours on unproductive tasks or burning through inheritance on poor choices. Credulity refers to a tendency to believe things too readily, reflecting gullibility rather than how resources are used. Pastoral relates to rural life or to shepherds and spiritual care in a rural context, not to wasting or spending. Goad means to provoke or spur someone into action, which is about triggering action rather than wasting resources. So the word that best fits is squander.

This question tests the verb that means to spend thoughtlessly or wastefully with regard to time, money, or opportunities. Squander captures that sense of careless or foolish use of something valuable, often leaving a missed chance or lost value behind. It’s commonly used when resources are not just spent, but spent without giving them their proper value or return—like wasting hours on unproductive tasks or burning through inheritance on poor choices.

Credulity refers to a tendency to believe things too readily, reflecting gullibility rather than how resources are used. Pastoral relates to rural life or to shepherds and spiritual care in a rural context, not to wasting or spending. Goad means to provoke or spur someone into action, which is about triggering action rather than wasting resources.

So the word that best fits is squander.