Prodigal

usgb/ˈprɑːdɪɡl/
adjective

Someone who spends money or resources freely and wastefully.

He became a prodigal son, spending all his inheritance on luxury items and partying.
Visual representation of "prodigal" - Someone who spends money or resources freely and wastefully.

Often appears as...

  • prodigal son
  • prodigal spending
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "prodigal"
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Negative Connotation

The word implies a negative judgment about spending habits; it's often a criticism.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Her prodigal ways led to a mountain of debt.
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Moral Lesson

Used in moral lessons, 'prodigal' can suggest the downfall that follows reckless spending.

Illustration for Moral Lesson
The prodigal son learned his lesson after squandering his wealth.
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Cultural Reference

'Prodigal son' often references the Biblical parable teaching about forgiveness and repentance.

Illustration for Cultural Reference
He was treated as the prodigal son upon his return to the company.
Word comparison image

Compare with

dissipateextravagantimprudentlavishprofligaterestrainspendthriftuncontrolledwasteful
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Visual representation of the word "Prodigal"

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