profligate

[ prof-li-git, -geyt ]

adjective

1. utterly and shamelessly immoral or dissipated; thoroughly dissolute.

   Synonyms: licentious, abandoned

2. recklessly prodigal or extravagant.

noun

1. a profligate person.

profligate

/ ˈprɒflɪɡəsɪ; ˈprɒflɪɡɪt /

adjective

1. shamelessly immoral or debauched
2. wildly extravagant or wasteful

noun

1. a profligate person

Derived Forms

• profligacy, noun
• ˈprofligately, adverb

Other Word Forms

• profli·gate·ly adverb
• profli·gate·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of profligate¹

1525–35; < Latin prōflīgātus broken down in character, degraded, originally past participle of prōflīgāre to shatter, debase, equivalent to prō- pro- ¹ + -flīgāre, derivative of flīgere to strike; inflict, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of profligate¹

C16: from Latin prōflīgātus corrupt, from prōflīgāre to overthrow, from pro- ¹+ flīgere to beat

Example Sentences

“There, the football staff engaged in profligate spending for hotels, meals, and large amounts of alcohol. Assistant coaches raved that they were able to go drinking on ‘Bosco’s dime.’

From Los Angeles Times

Conservative Kit Malthouse said it would be "profoundly unfair if many, many years of careful stewardship were wiped out by being amalgamated with more profligate neighbouring councils".

From BBC

So, at both ends it is a case of minor details; mistakes at the back, profligate finishing up front.

From BBC

But her husband, President Emmanuel Macron, has been criticised for his own profligate spending.

From BBC

Americans have long been among the world’s most profligate tippers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• extravagant
• reckless