1. tending to dissipate or scatter energy, especially as heat; causing the loss or waste of energy
Usage: commonly used in physics and engineering contexts
2. characterized by or promoting dissipation; indulgent in wasteful or self-indulgent behavior
Usage: less common in modern usage

Examples

• Friction is a dissipative force that converts mechanical energy into heat.
• The dissipative effects of air resistance slow down the falling object.
• In dissipative systems, energy is gradually lost to the environment.
• The engineer designed the cooling system to be highly dissipative.
• Dissipative structures can maintain order by continuously consuming energy from their surroundings.