Profligate: meaning, definitions and examples

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profligate

 

[ ˈprɒflɪɡət ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

wasteful

recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources

Synonyms

extravagant, spendthrift, wasteful

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

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

Translations of the word "profligate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prodigal

🇮🇳 फिजूलखर्ची

🇩🇪 verschwenderisch

🇮🇩 boros

🇺🇦 марнотратний

🇵🇱 rozrzutny

🇯🇵 浪費家

🇫🇷 prodigue

🇪🇸 pródigo

🇹🇷 savurgan

🇰🇷 낭비하는

🇸🇦 مبذر

🇨🇿 marnotratný

🇸🇰 márnotratný

🇨🇳 挥霍的

🇸🇮 razsipen

🇮🇸 örlátur

🇰🇿 ысырапшыл

🇬🇪 ფლანგველი

🇦🇿 israfçı

🇲🇽 pródigo

Etymology

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.