Fritter/ˈfrɪtər/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation Use 'fritter away' to express disapproval about wasting resources. He frittered away his inheritance on pointless gadgets. Pro Tip 2/3Time and Effort 'Fritter away' often relates to misusing time or effort that could be spent better. I can't afford to fritter away my energy on such trivial tasks. Pro Tip 3/3Gradual Loss The phrase 'fritter away' implies a gradual loss rather than an immediate one. Slowly, he frittered away the trust his friends had in him.