dissipation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun breaking up and scattering by dispersion
    • the dissipation of the mist
  2. noun dissolute indulgence in sensual pleasure
    dissolution; licentiousness; looseness; profligacy.
  3. noun useless or profitless activity; using or expending or consuming thoughtlessly or carelessly
    wastefulness; waste.
    • if the effort brings no compensating gain it is a waste
    • mindless dissipation of natural resources

WordNet

Dis`si*pa"tion noun
Etymology
L. dissipatio: cf. F. dissipation.
Definitions
  1. The act of dissipating or dispersing; a state of dispersion or separation; dispersion; waste.
    Without loss or dissipation of the matter. Bacon.
    The famous dissipation of mankind. Sir M. Hale.
  2. A dissolute course of life, in which health, money, etc., are squandered in pursuit of pleasure; profuseness in vicious indulgence, as late hours, riotous living, etc.; dissoluteness.
    To reclaim the spendthrift from his dissipation and extravagance. P. Henry.
  3. A trifle which wastes time or distracts attention.
    Prevented from finishing them [the letters] a thousand avocations and dissipations. Swift.

Webster 1913