spendthrift: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral. More common in written English than casual speech.
Quick answer
What does “spendthrift” mean?
A person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way.
More broadly, it can describe any wasteful or extravagant use of resources, not just money. It can also function as an adjective describing such behavior.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties, implying foolishness and lack of self-control.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “spendthrift” in a Sentence
[be/act like] a spendthriftspendthrift [noun: ways, policies, administration]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spendthrift” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The council's spendthrift policies led to a massive budget deficit.
American English
- His spendthrift approach to his lottery winnings left him bankrupt in a year.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically in financial reporting or analysis to describe irresponsible corporate or government fiscal policy.
Academic
Found in economic, historical, or sociological texts discussing consumption, wealth, and social behavior.
Everyday
Used to describe a friend or family member who is terrible with money.
Technical
Not a technical term in finance; more descriptive.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spendthrift”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spendthrift”
- Misspelling as 'spendthrift' (correct) vs. 'spendthrift' (incorrect). Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He spendthrifted his inheritance' is wrong).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a noun (a person), but it is also commonly used as an adjective (e.g., spendthrift policies).
A spendthrift implies wastefulness and a lack of regard for future needs. Generosity is a positive trait of sharing wealth wisely with others.
Almost never. It is a term of criticism. In very rare, ironic contexts it might be used, but the core meaning is negative.
Yes, etymologically. 'Thrift' means careful management of money. A 'spend-thrift' is someone who 'spends' their 'thrift' or carefulness.
A person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way.
Spendthrift is usually formal to neutral. more common in written english than casual speech. in register.
Spendthrift: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɛn(d)θrɪft/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɛn(d)ˌθrɪft/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Born with a silver spoon and a hole in his pocket (describing a wealthy spendthrift).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word itself: they SPEND their THRIFT (their savings). They spend the very thing meant to protect them.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A LIQUID (spendthrifts let it flow away); RESOURCES ARE FUEL (spendthrifts burn through it quickly).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a spendthrift?