Prodigal: meaning, definitions and examples

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prodigal

 

[ ˈprɒdɪɡ(ə)l ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

wasteful

spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant

Synonyms

extravagant, profligate, spendthrift

Examples of usage

  • prodigal habits die hard
  • he was prodigal in his praise
  • a prodigal son returning home
Context #2 | Noun

person

a person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way

Synonyms

spender, squanderer, wastrel

Examples of usage

  • he had earned a reputation as a prodigal
  • the prodigal had squandered his inheritance

Translations

Translations of the word "prodigal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pródigo

🇮🇳 उड़ाऊ

🇩🇪 verschwenderisch

🇮🇩 boros

🇺🇦 марнотратний

🇵🇱 rozrzutny

🇯🇵 浪費家 (ろうひか)

🇫🇷 prodigue

🇪🇸 pródigo

🇹🇷 müsrif

🇰🇷 낭비하는

🇸🇦 مسرف

🇨🇿 marnotratný

🇸🇰 márnotratný

🇨🇳 挥霍的 (huīhuò de)

🇸🇮 razsipen

🇮🇸 eyðslusamur

🇰🇿 ысырапшыл

🇬🇪 მფლანგველი

🇦🇿 israfçı

🇲🇽 pródigo

Etymology

The word 'prodigal' originated from the Latin word 'prodigus', which means wasteful or lavish. In the famous biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, a young man squanders his inheritance in a reckless manner. Over time, the term has come to be used more broadly to describe anyone who is wasteful or extravagant in their spending habits.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,854, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.