Prodigality: meaning, definitions and examples

💸
Add to dictionary

prodigality

 

[ ˌprɒd.ɪˈɡæl.ə.ti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

wasteful spending

Prodigality is the quality of being wasteful or extravagant in spending money or resources. It is the act of spending money in a reckless and extravagant way, without considering the consequences.

Synonyms

extravagance, recklessness, wastefulness

Examples of usage

  • He was criticized for his prodigality, spending lavishly on unnecessary luxuries.
  • The country's economic downfall was partly due to the prodigality of its leaders.
Context #2 | Noun

abundant generosity

Prodigality can also refer to abundant generosity or lavishness, especially in giving or bestowing. It can be seen as a positive trait when it involves generosity and kindness.

Synonyms

bounty, generosity, lavishness

Examples of usage

  • Her prodigality in donating to charities has made a significant impact on those in need.
  • The prodigality of his love and care for others knew no bounds.

Translations

Translations of the word "prodigality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prodigalidade

🇮🇳 अपव्यय

🇩🇪 Verschwendung

🇮🇩 pemborosan

🇺🇦 марнотратство

🇵🇱 rozrzutność

🇯🇵 浪費 (ろうひ)

🇫🇷 prodigalité

🇪🇸 prodigalidad

🇹🇷 savurganlık

🇰🇷 낭비

🇸🇦 تبذير

🇨🇿 marnotratnost

🇸🇰 márnotratnosť

🇨🇳 挥霍 (huīhuò)

🇸🇮 razsipnost

🇮🇸 eyðslusemi

🇰🇿 ысырапшылдық

🇬🇪 ფლანგვა

🇦🇿 israfçılıq

🇲🇽 prodigalidad

Etymology

The word 'prodigality' originated from the Latin word 'prodigalitas', which means wastefulness or lavishness. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe both the negative aspect of wasteful spending and the positive aspect of abundant generosity.