Spendthrift Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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spendthrift
[หspษndหฮธrษชft ]
Definitions
personality trait
A spendthrift is a person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way.
Synonyms
profligate, squanderer, wastrel.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spendthrift |
This word is used to describe someone who spends money carelessly and unwisely, often without thinking about the consequences. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
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| wastrel |
This is a somewhat old-fashioned term that describes a person who wastes their money and other resources habitually. It usually has a very negative connotation, often implying a person is lazy or without ambition.
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| profligate |
This term is more formal and often carries a negative connotation, usually describing someone who is recklessly extravagant or wasteful, particularly in their use of resources. It can also refer to someone who indulges in immoral or corrupt behavior.
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| squanderer |
This word highlights the act of wasting resources, typically money or opportunities, in a reckless or foolish manner. It is often used to emphasize the wastefulness of someone's actions.
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Examples of usage
- He was known as a spendthrift, always buying expensive items he didn't need.
- She regretted her spendthrift ways when she found herself in debt.
historical context
In the past, a spendthrift referred to a person who squandered their inherited wealth.
Synonyms
lavish spender, prodigal, waster.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spendthrift |
Use when describing someone who spends money recklessly and wastefully, often without regard to the future.
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| prodigal |
Use to describe someone who spends money or resources freely and recklessly, usually with an implication of returning home after wasting resources. It often has a literary or formal tone.
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| lavish spender |
Use when describing someone who spends a lot of money on luxurious things, often as a status symbol or for pleasure.
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| waster |
Use as a negative term to describe someone who wastes money or resources, often implying irresponsibility or lack of value.
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Examples of usage
- The spendthrift prince quickly depleted the kingdom's treasury.
- Her reputation as a spendthrift heiress was widely known.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Spendthrifts are commonly featured in classic literature, often as cautionary tales about wealth and responsibility.
- In Shakespeare's works, characters who waste money often face dire consequences, illustrating moral lessons.
- Modern novels frequently depict spendthrifts to explore themes of wealth, ambition, and social status.
Psychology
- Research suggests that spending habits are often linked to personality traits, such as impulsivity and thrill-seeking.
- Spendthrifts may derive pleasure from shopping, which can trigger the brainโs reward system, making it addictive.
- Some studies indicate that upbringing and social influences play a significant role in developing spendthrift tendencies.
Economics
- Spendthrifts can significantly impact local economies by driving consumer spending and stimulating business activity.
- However, excessive spending without saving can lead to financial instability, both personally and on a larger scale.
- The balance between saving and spending is crucial in economic discussions about consumer behavior.
Pop Culture
- Spendthrift characters are often portrayed in films and TV shows, notably in stories about the wealthy who lose everything.
- Reality shows about financial struggles highlight how spendthrifts face dire consequences for their lifestyles.
- The term appears in various songs and media, often illustrating the carefree and risky nature of overspending.
Origin of 'spendthrift'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'spend', meaning to use money, and 'thrift', which means being careful with resources.
- This term has roots in Middle English, where 'thrift' originally meant prospering or flourishing.
- In the 16th century, 'spendthrift' evolved to describe someone who wastes their wealth rather than saving it.
The word 'spendthrift' originated in the early 18th century and is a combination of 'spend' and 'thrift'. It was first used to describe someone who spends wastefully or extravagantly. The term reflects the negative connotation associated with excessive spending and financial irresponsibility. Over time, 'spendthrift' has become a common term to describe individuals who have a tendency to spend money recklessly.
See also: misspend, spend, spender, spending, spent, underspend, underspending, unspent.