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desaprovechar

to waste

verb deh-sah-proh-beh-CHAHR Rare

Also means

to squander

Usage Note

Desaprovechar means to fail to make good use of something: an opportunity, a talent, or a resource. It is the antonym of aprovechar ('to make the most of'). A regular -ar verb, it is frequently used in sports reporting: desaprovechó una ocasión clara ('he wasted a clear chance'). Desperdiciar is a near synonym, but desaprovechar has a stronger sense of missed potential rather than careless loss.

Examples

"No puedes desaprovechar esta oportunidad única."

Natural Translation

You cannot waste this unique opportunity.

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