prodigal

American  

[prod-i-guhl] / ˈprɒd ɪ gəl /

adjective

1. wastefully or recklessly extravagant.

   prodigal expenditure.

   Synonyms:

   profligate

   Antonyms:

   provident, cautious

2. giving or yielding profusely; very generous; lavish (usually followed by of orwith ).

   prodigal of smiles; prodigal with praise.

   Synonyms:

   bounteous, copious

3. lavishly abundant; profuse.

   nature's prodigal resources.

   Synonyms:

   bounteous, copious

---

noun

1. a person who is wasteful of their money, possessions, etc.; spendthrift.

   In later years, he was a prodigal of his fortune.

   Synonyms:

   wastrel, waster

prodigal British  

/ ˈprɒdɪɡəl /

adjective

1. recklessly wasteful or extravagant, as in disposing of goods or money

2. lavish in giving or yielding

   prodigal of compliments

---

noun

1. a person who spends lavishly or squanders money

Usage

What does prodigal mean? Prodigal generally refers to spending money in a reckless, extravagant way. It is often used in reference to the Biblical parable of the prodigal son.

Related Words

See lavish.

Other Word Forms

• prodigality
  noun
• prodigally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of prodigal

First recorded in 1500–10; back formation from prodigality

Explanation

Use the adjective prodigal to describe someone who spends too much money, or something very wasteful. Your prodigal spending on fancy coffee drinks might leave you with no money to buy lunch. Prodigal usually applies to the spending of money. In the Bible, the Prodigal Son leaves home and wastes all his money. The noun forms of the word, meaning "a wasteful person" or "one who returns home after a period of bad behavior," relate to this biblical story. You can also use prodigal to describe something that is very abundant or generous, such as prodigal praise. Prodigal comes from the Latin word prodigere, "to drive away or waste."

Example Sentences

The last time Apple had paid a dividend was 1995, a year before the prodigal founder’s return to the company.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

The latest movie adaptation of an iconic Shakespeare play is “Hamlet,” directed by Aneil Karia, which stars Riz Ahmed as the prodigal prince mourning the death of his father.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

James buried his face in his jersey as he attempted to keep his feelings in check while the Cavaliers played a video tribute to their prodigal hero during a first quarter break.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

In September, she implored our neighbors from the north to make their prodigal return to the Strip.

From Slate • Nov. 18, 2025

It would be the best moment, before the full flush of summer, and in the valley the azaleas would be prodigal of scent, and the blood-red rhododendrons in bloom.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier