prodigal

Noun · Adjective
US[prod-ih-guhl]/ˈprɑdɪɡəl/3 syllables
Synonyms: profligatesquandererextravagantspendthrift

Open English WordNet

Noun (1)

  1. a recklessly extravagant consumerSynonyms: profligatesquandererType of consumerKinds spendthrift, wastrel

Adjective (1)

  1. recklessly wasteful“prodigal in their expenditures”Synonyms: extravagantprofligatespendthriftOpposite thriftySimilar wasteful

Related words high life noun, prodigality noun

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profoundadjective

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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

Prod′i·gal adjective

Origin: L. prodigus, from prodigere to drive forth, to squander away; pro forward, forth + agere to drive; cf. F. prodigue. See Agent.

Given to extravagant expenditure; expending money or other things without necessity; recklessly or viciously profuse; lavish; wasteful; not frugal or economical; as, a prodigal man; the prodigal son; prodigal giving; prodigal expenses.

In fighting fields [patriots] were prodigal of blood.— John Dryden

Synonyms: Profuse; lavish; extravagant; squandering; wasteful. See Profuse.

Prod′i·gal noun

One who expends money extravagantly, viciously, or without necessity; one that is profuse or lavish in any expenditure; a waster; a spendthrift. “Noble prodigals of life.” Abp. Richard Chenevix Trench

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54

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