profligate
What does "profligate" mean?
At its core, a profligate person is someone who spends money or resources with reckless abandon, showing a complete lack of restraint. Imagine someone throwing gold coins into a fountain or burning through an inheritance on fleeting luxuries; it captures a sense of wasteful, almost moral dissipation. While it is most commonly used to describe financial extravagance, it can also describe someone who is generally dissolute or "wild" in their lifestyle. It is a formal, often judgmental term that implies a loss of control and a disregard for the long-term consequences of one's actions.
"profligate" in conversation
Discussing a former business partner
Did you hear about Julian? He’s completely broke.
Did you hear about Julian? He’s completely broke.
I’m not surprised. His profligate spending habits were legendary.
I’m not surprised. His profligate spending habits were legendary.
Used to describe someone whose financial habits led to their downfall.
Critiquing a government budget
This new infrastructure plan is just a massive waste of taxpayer funds.
This new infrastructure plan is just a massive waste of taxpayer funds.
Agreed. It’s a profligate use of resources we don't actually have.
Agreed. It’s a profligate use of resources we don't actually have.
Used in a formal context to critique the inefficient allocation of public money.
"profligate" in a sentence
He lived a simple life, avoiding profligate habits.
He lived a simple life, avoiding profligate habits.
The company went bankrupt due to the CEO's profligate expansion plans.
The company went bankrupt due to the CEO's profligate expansion plans.
History remembers the emperor for his profligate lifestyle and neglect of the state.
History remembers the emperor for his profligate lifestyle and neglect of the state.
