Spendthrift: meaning, definitions and examples

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spendthrift

 

[ ˈspɛndˌθrɪft ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

personality trait

A spendthrift is a person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way.

Synonyms

profligate, squanderer, wastrel

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.
Context #2 | Noun

historical context

In the past, a spendthrift referred to a person who squandered their inherited wealth.

Synonyms

lavish spender, prodigal, waster

Examples of usage

  • The spendthrift prince quickly depleted the kingdom's treasury.
  • Her reputation as a spendthrift heiress was widely known.

Translations

Translations of the word "spendthrift" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esbanjador

🇮🇳 फिजूलखर्च

🇩🇪 Verschwender

🇮🇩 pemboros

🇺🇦 марнотратник

🇵🇱 rozrzutnik

🇯🇵 浪費家 (ろうひか, rōhika)

🇫🇷 dépensier

🇪🇸 derrochador

🇹🇷 müsrif

🇰🇷 낭비가 (浪費家, nangbiga)

🇸🇦 مبذر

🇨🇿 marnotratník

🇸🇰 márnotratník

🇨🇳 挥霍者 (huīhuòzhě)

🇸🇮 potratnež

🇮🇸 eyðslumaður

🇰🇿 ысырапшыл

🇬🇪 ფლანგველი

🇦🇿 israfçı

🇲🇽 derrochador

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,001, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.