prodigal Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a recklessly extravagant consumer
squanderer; profligate.
adjective satellite recklessly wasteful
spendthrift; extravagant; profligate.
- prodigal in their expenditures

L. prodigus, from prodigere to drive forth, to squander away; pro forward, forth + agere to drive; cf. F. prodigue. See Agent.

Given to extravagant expenditure; expending money or other things without necessity; recklessly or viciously profuse; lavish; wasteful; not frugal or economical; as, a prodigal man; the prodigal son; prodigal giving; prodigal expenses.
In fighting fields [patriots] were prodigal of blood. Dryden.
Syn. -- Profuse; lavish; extravagant; squandering; wasteful. See Profuse.

One who expends money extravagantly, viciously, or without necessity; one that is profuse or lavish in any expenditure; a waster; a spendthrift. "Noble prodigals of life." Trench.