Spendthrift: meaning, definitions and examples
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spendthrift
[ ˈspɛndˌθrɪft ]
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
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.