prodigality

UK: /ˌprɒdɪˈgælɪtɪ/ US: /ˌprɑdɪˈgælɪti/ ,(prod′i gal′i tē)

Inflections of 'prodigality' (n): npl: prodigalities

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

prod•i•gal•i•ty  (prod′i gal′i tē), n., pl. -ties for 2, 3.

1. the quality or fact of being prodigal;
   wasteful extravagance in spending.
2. an instance of it.
3. lavish abundance.

• Latin prōdigālitās wastefulness, equivalent. to prōdig(us) extravagant + -āl(is) -al¹ + -itās -ity
• Middle English prodigalite 1300–50

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

prod•i•gal /ˈprɑdɪgəl/   adj. 

1. wasteful in spending money unwisely.

n. [countable]

2. one who spends money recklessly.

prod•i•gal•i•ty /ˌprɑdɪˈgælɪti/  n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

prod•i•gal  (prod′i gəl), adj. 

1. wastefully or recklessly extravagant:
   prodigal expenditure.
2. giving or yielding profusely;
   lavish (usually fol. by of or with):
   prodigal of smiles; prodigal with money.
3. lavishly abundant;
   profuse:
   nature's prodigal resources.

n. 

4. a person who spends, or has spent, his or her money or substance with wasteful extravagance;
   spendthrift.

• back formation from prodigality 1500–10

prod′i•gal•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. profligate. See lavish. 
• 2, 3. copious, bounteous.
• 4. waster, wastrel.

Antonyms

• 1. cautious, provident.