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prodigal

adjective

/ˈprɒdɪɡl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of prodigal

Wasteful or extravagant in the use of resources, particularly money.
"The company's prodigal use of resources led to its eventual downfall."

Detailed meaning of prodigal

It implies a lack of restraint or discipline in spending, and a tendency to indulge in excess or to squander resources. When used to describe a person, it suggests that they are reckless or irresponsible with their money, and that they have a tendency to spend it recklessly or to indulge in luxuries. It can also be used to describe someone who is wasteful in other ways, such as wasting time, talent or energy. The term can also be used to describe the behavior of the person, such as prodigal spending, or prodigal behavior. The word "prodigal" comes from the latin word "prodigus" which means "wasteful" and it is related to the idea of wasting resources or being excessively wasteful.

Example sentences containing prodigal

1. His prodigal spending habits left him in financial ruin.
2. The prodigal heir squandered the family fortune.
3. Prodigal lifestyles often lead to regret later on.
4. She hoped to reform her prodigal ways and save money.
5. The city's prodigal expenditures raised concerns among citizens.
6. Prodigal behavior can strain relationships with loved ones.

History and etymology of prodigal

The adjective 'prodigal' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'prodigus,' which means 'wasteful' or 'extravagant.' 'Prodigus' itself is related to 'prodigere,' a verb meaning 'to drive forth' or 'to squander.' Over time, as the Latin term 'prodigus' transitioned into English, it became 'prodigal,' describing a person or behavior characterized by wastefulness or extravagance, particularly in the use of resources, especially money. The etymology of 'prodigal' effectively conveys its historical association with excessive and reckless spending, emphasizing its role as an adjective used to describe individuals who are lavish and extravagant to a fault in their use of financial resources.

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Further usage examples of prodigal

1. They warned him about the consequences of his prodigal ways.
2. Prodigal spending left the company in dire financial straits.
3. The prodigal son returned home seeking forgiveness.
4. The prodigal daughter learned the value of thriftiness.
5. Prodigal habits can deplete savings quickly.
6. The prodigal employee wasted company resources.
7. The prodigal lifestyle was unsustainable in the long run.
8. Prodigal decisions led to the closure of the business.
9. She embarked on a journey of self-discovery after her prodigal phase.
10. Prodigal choices can have lasting financial repercussions.
11. The prodigal artist struggled to make ends meet.
12. He sought guidance to overcome his prodigal tendencies.
13. The consequences of prodigal behavior became evident over time.
14. A prodigal attitude can hinder personal and financial growth.
15. He spent his youth as a prodigal son, squandering his family's wealth.
16. She was known for her prodigal spending habits, buying whatever she desired.
17. The prodigal millionaire spent his fortune on frivolous luxuries.
18. The prodigal heir inherited a vast fortune and squandered it all on gambling.
19. The prodigal spender racked up an enormous credit card debt on unnecessary purchases.
20. The prodigal consumer bought expensive designer clothes without considering the cost.
21. The prodigal investor lost all of his savings in a risky business venture.
22. The prodigal shopper bought more groceries than he could consume, leading to waste.
23. The prodigal traveler spent an exorbitant amount of money on hotels and meals.
24. The prodigal artist spent a small fortune on supplies without producing much work.
25. The prodigal tenant left the apartment in a state of disrepair, causing extensive damage.
26. The prodigal diner ordered more food than he could eat and left most of it uneaten.