ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prodigal

n.
C1 Advanced US //ˈpɹɑdɪɡəɫ// UK //pɹˈɒdɪɡəl// prodi·gal

n. a person who spends too much money and does not save for the future. It is an old-fashioned word for someone who is very wasteful with their resources.

n. a person who spends money or resources extravagantly and without restraint. Often used in a literary or formal context to describe someone who squanders their inheritance or wealth.


SIMPLE

The prodigal son spent all his money on luxury.

CONTEXTUAL

The family was shocked when the prodigal returned home with no savings and a heavy debt.

COMPLEX

The novel explores the tragic journey of a prodigal who, after years of reckless spending, is forced to confront the consequences of his financial irresponsibility.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle French prodigal, from Late Latin prōdigālis (“wasteful”), from Latin prōdigus (“wasteful, lavish, prodigal”), from prōdigō (“to consume, squander, drive forth”), from prōd- [from prō (“before, forward”)] + agō (“to drive”). Also see prodigy.

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