Prodigal
hardPROD-ih-gul
adjective
Definition
Spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant
Examples
“His prodigal spending left him bankrupt.”
“The prodigal son returned home after squandering his inheritance.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Prodigal is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "wasteful" or "extravagant" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "frugal".
Related GRE Words
profligate
Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources
extravagant
Lacking restraint in spending money or using resources
lavish
Sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious
excessive
More than is necessary, normal, or desirable; immoderate
frugal
Sparing or economical with regard to money or food
closefisted
Unwilling to spend money; miserly
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