dissipation

/ˈdɪsəˌpeɪʃən/

Other forms: dissipations

Dissipation is the act of breaking up and scattering or spreading widely. With the dissipation of the clouds, you could enjoy the sunny afternoon — if only you didn't have to work.

Dissipation also refers to wasteful or thoughtless spending or activity. Your habit of taking old clothes and appliances to the dump instead of donating them to charities is a kind of dissipation. Dissipation can also mean a life of indulgence, in which health and wealth are squandered in the pursuit of pleasure. Your uncle's life of dissipation, throwing money at wine and women, will ultimately only bring heartache.

Definitions of dissipation

1. noun

   breaking up and scattering by dispersion
   “the dissipation of the mist”

   type of:

   dispersion, scattering

   spreading widely or driving off
2. noun

   dissolute indulgence in sensual pleasure
   synonyms: dissolution, licentiousness, looseness, profligacy

   type of:

   decadence, intemperance, intemperateness, self-indulgence

   excess in action and immoderate indulgence of bodily appetites, especially in passion or indulgence
3. noun

   useless or profitless activity; using or expending or consuming thoughtlessly or carelessly
   “mindless dissipation of natural resources”

   synonyms: waste, wastefulness

   types:

   boondoggle

   work of little or no value done merely to look busy

   waste of effort, waste of energy

   a useless effort

   waste of material

   a useless consumption of material

   waste of money

   money spent for inadequate return

   waste of time

   the devotion of time to a useless activity

   extravagance, high life, highlife, lavishness, prodigality

   excessive spending

   squandering

   spending resources lavishly and wastefully

   squandermania

   prodigious squandering (usually by a government)

   type of:

   activity

   any specific behavior