Meaning of the word profligate in English

What does profligate mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

profligate

US /ˈprɑː.flɪ.ɡət/
UK /ˈprɒf.lɪ.ɡət/
"profligate" picture

Adjective

recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources

Example:
The government was criticized for its profligate spending during the crisis.
He had a profligate lifestyle that eventually led to bankruptcy.

Noun

a licentious, dissolute person

Example:
The novel's protagonist is a profligate who squanders his inheritance.
He was known as a profligate in his youth, spending every penny on gambling.