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Profligate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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profligate

[หˆprษ’flษชษกษ™t ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

wasteful

recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources

Synonyms

extravagant, spendthrift, wasteful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
profligate

This word is best used to describe someone or something that spends money or resources recklessly and wastefully. It usually carries a negative connotation, implying moral irresponsibility or a lack of self-control.

  • He was known as a profligate spender who blew through his inheritance in just a few years.
  • The company's profligate use of resources led to its eventual bankruptcy.
extravagant

This word is suitable when describing spending that is excessive and more than what is necessary, often highlighting the opulence and luxury. It can have a negative connotation, but it is not as severe as 'profligate'.

  • She threw an extravagant birthday party, complete with a live band and gourmet catering.
  • Their vacation was incredibly extravagant, with first-class flights and stays at five-star hotels.
wasteful

Use this word to describe actions or behavior that result in the unnecessary loss or misuse of resources. It is often used in a variety of contexts beyond money, such as time, energy, or materials, and typically has a negative connotation.

  • The wasteful disposal of plastics is harming the environment.
  • His wasteful habits were evident in the way he left lights on and water running.
spendthrift

This term is used for a person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible manner. It often hints at a habitual pattern of wasteful spending and carries a somewhat negative tone.

  • Being a spendthrift, he found himself in debt despite earning a high salary.
  • Her spendthrift tendencies made it difficult for her to save any money.

Examples of usage

  • The profligate son wasted all his inheritance on gambling.
  • She was criticized for her profligate spending habits.
Context #2 | Noun

person

a licentious, dissolute person

Synonyms

debauchee, degenerate, libertine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
profligate

This term is used to describe someone who recklessly wastes resources or money. It has a strong negative connotation and implies moral laxity or irresponsibility.

  • His profligate spending habits led him to bankruptcy
debauchee

Use this word to refer to a person who frequently indulges in excessive pleasures, especially those related to sensual or immoral activities. It carries a negative judgment.

  • The count was known as a debauchee, always hosting wild parties that lasted for days
libertine

This word refers to a person who acts without moral restraints, especially in sexual matters. It can be used in a more neutral or even slightly positive light if emphasizing freedom from conventional norms, but often it has a negative connotation.

  • The poet was considered a libertine, unafraid to challenge societal norms in his works and life
degenerate

This term is used for someone who has declined from a state of moral or physical integrity to a lower or corrupt state. It is strongly negative and often implies a loss of social or personal quality.

  • In his old age, he became a degenerate, abandoning all the principles he once held dear

Examples of usage

  • He lived the life of a profligate, indulging in every pleasure imaginable.
  • The town viewed him as a profligate who cared only for his own enjoyment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In Victorian literature, profligate characters often faced moral decline, illustrating societal views on spending and vice.
  • The term has been used throughout history to emphasize the danger of excessive indulgence, especially among the wealthy.

Economics

  • Profligate spending can lead to financial instability for both individuals and nations, as seen during economic crises.
  • Government spending is often criticized as profligate when it appears wasteful or irresponsible in managing taxpayer money.

Psychology

  • Individuals described as profligate may struggle with impulse control, driven by immediate gratification over long-term planning.
  • Research shows that financial behaviors, including profligacy, can be influenced by upbringing and societal norms.

Origin of 'profligate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'profligatus,' meaning 'to be overthrown,' which reflects its nature of downfall through excessive spending.
  • It appeared in English in the late 16th century, initially to describe extravagance and wastefulness, especially in regards to money.

The word 'profligate' originated from the Latin word 'profligatus', which means 'overthrown, ruined, worthless'. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe someone who is wasteful or extravagant in their spending habits. The term has been used since the 16th century to refer to individuals who live excessively and without restraint, often leading to financial ruin or moral degradation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,914, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.