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Definition of wastage noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

wastage

noun
 
/ˈweɪstɪdʒ/
 
/ˈweɪstɪdʒ/
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  1. [uncountable, singular] wastage (of something) the fact of losing or destroying something, especially because it has been used or dealt with carelessly
    • It was a new production technique aimed at minimizing wastage.
    • Patients need exercise to prevent muscle wastage.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • excessive
    • high
    • natural
    verb + wastage
    • avoid
    • prevent
    • minimize
    See full entry
  2. [uncountable] the amount of something that is wasted
    • There is little wastage from a lean cut of meat.
    • Always allow for some wastage when ordering building materials.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • excessive
    • high
    • natural
    verb + wastage
    • avoid
    • prevent
    • minimize
    See full entry
  3. [uncountable] (British English) the loss of employees because they stop working or move to other jobs; the number of students who do not finish a particular course of study
    • Half of the posts will be lost through natural wastage.
    • student wastage rates
    • Natural wastage will cut staff numbers to the required level.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • excessive
    • high
    • natural
    verb + wastage
    • avoid
    • prevent
    • minimize
    See full entry
See wastage in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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