Prodigal: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe someone who spends money or resources freely and recklessly, sometimes implying a sense of wastefulness.

• The prodigal son returned home after years of living a life of excess.
• Her prodigal shopping habits left her in significant debt.

This word is usually used to describe spending that is excessive or more than what is necessary. It does not always have a strongly negative connotation but can imply a lack of restraint.

• The wedding was an extravagant affair with thousands of guests.
• He has an extravagant taste in clothing, always buying the most expensive brands.

This term typically denotes someone who is extremely wasteful and lacks moral discipline. It often has a negative implication related to both financial and moral behavior.

• His profligate lifestyle eventually caught up with him, leaving him broke and alone.
• She criticized the government for its profligate spending on unnecessary projects.

This word is used to describe a person who spends money in an irresponsible or wasteful manner, focusing more on the aspect of being careless with money.

• Being a spendthrift, he quickly ran through his inheritance.
• She is known to be a spendthrift, always buying things she doesn’t need.

Used when describing someone who spends money or resources freely and recklessly, often implying that they have returned after being away. It may also have a negative connotation.

• The prodigal son returned home after years of lavish spending.
• She was known in the town as a prodigal heiress, always buying extravagant gifts.

Used for someone who wastes money or resources irresponsibly and is often seen in a negative light. It suggests complete lack of care or planning.

• He was a squanderer of his inheritance, living a luxurious life that left him broke.
• Her reputation as a squanderer made people wary of lending her money.

An old-fashioned term that refers to someone who wastes money and resources foolishly and extravagantly. It carries a strong negative connotation.

• No one wanted to do business with the wastrel who blew his fortune on frivolities.
• In the novel, the character is portrayed as a wastrel, bringing ruin upon his family.

Refers to someone who simply spends money but does not necessarily imply recklessness or wastefulness. It is more neutral and general in nature.

• He's a big spender, always picking up the tab for everyone at dinner.
• As a smart spender, she knows how to balance her checks without going overboard.