using continuously; leaving on; using without a break
Describes leaving something in use or turned on without stopping, often with a nuance of neglect or carelessness. Commonly used with appliances, tools, or devices.
See also: っぱなし
If you leave the air conditioner running continuously, the electricity bill will be high.
If you use the computer non-stop without taking a break, your eyes will get tired.
Variant with 放し; less common but seen in some contexts.
Compound of 使い (stem of 使う, 'to use') and っぱなし (suffix meaning 'leaving something in a state').