Which word refers to wasting something, especially money or time, in a reckless manner?

The term that refers to the act of wasting something, particularly money or time, in a reckless manner is "squander." This word captures the essence of recklessness and lack of care in the use of resources. For instance, when someone squanders their time, it implies they are not utilizing it wisely or efficiently, often leading to regret later on. In the context of finances, to squander money means to spend it extravagantly or offer it without consideration for future needs, indicating a careless approach to both allocation and respect for the resource.

The other choices denote a positive approach to managing resources. "Save" implies preservation for future use, "invest" suggests allocating resources with the expectation of gaining a return, and "conserve" refers to maintaining and protecting resources to prevent waste. Each of these options highlights actions aimed at wise or efficient use rather than reckless abandonment. Thus, "squander" stands out as the only term aligned with the idea of wastefulness in a careless manner.