prodigal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary
Quick answer
What does “prodigal” mean?
Wastefully or recklessly extravagant, especially with money or resources.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Wastefully or recklessly extravagant, especially with money or resources.
1) Characterized by profuse or lavish expenditure. 2) (Of a person who leaves home and leads a reckless life, but later returns) repentant. 3) (Figuratively) Producing or yielding in large quantities; abundant or profuse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are identical. The term is equally literary/formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical. Both strongly associate the word with the Biblical parable and the idea of wasteful extravagance.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, reserved for formal/literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “prodigal” in a Sentence
be prodigal with [noun: money/resources/time]a prodigal [noun: son/spender/government]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prodigal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The verb form is obsolete and not used in modern English.
American English
- The verb form is obsolete and not used in modern English.
adverb
British English
- The form 'prodigally' is very rare but grammatical: 'He spent prodigally.'
American English
- The form 'prodigally' is very rare but grammatical: 'The government funded the project prodigally.'
adjective
British English
- His prodigal use of the company's funds eventually led to bankruptcy.
- The prodigal heir returned home, his fortune spent.
American English
- The administration was criticized for its prodigal defense spending.
- After years of prodigal living, she had to sell her estate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Critiquing a company's 'prodigal' spending on unnecessary corporate perks.
Academic
Analyzing the 'prodigal' use of natural resources in 19th-century industrial economies.
Everyday
Rare. Possibly humorous: 'Don't be so prodigal with the ketchup!'
Technical
In biology, a 'prodigal' gene prediction algorithm (PRODIGAL) predicts protein-coding genes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “prodigal”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “prodigal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prodigal”
- Using 'prodigal' to mean 'talented' or 'genius' (confusion with 'prodigy').
- Using it in informal, casual contexts where 'wasteful' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Prodigal' is an adjective meaning wastefully extravagant. 'Prodigy' is a noun meaning a person, especially a young one, with exceptional talents or abilities. They are different words with different roots and meanings.
Primarily yes, as it denotes wasteful excess. However, in the context of 'the prodigal son', there is a narrative arc of error, repentance, and joyful return, which adds a layer of forgiveness and redemption to its meaning.
Yes, but this is a less common, more literary sense. For example, 'nature's prodigal bounty'. This use focuses on lavish generosity rather than waste, though the core idea of lavishness remains.
Yes, as a noun (meaning a prodigal person), though it is less common than the adjective. It is often used in reference to the Biblical story: 'The family welcomed back the prodigal.'
Wastefully or recklessly extravagant, especially with money or resources.
Prodigal is usually formal, literary in register.
Prodigal: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprɒd.ɪ.ɡəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈprɑː.dɪ.ɡəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The return of the prodigal son/daughter.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A PRODIGAL person PROduces DIGging A Large hole in their finances.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESOURCES ARE FINITE SUBSTANCES; WASTING THEM IS POURING THEM OUT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'prodigal' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?