prodigal implies reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources.

PRODIGAL definition: 1. spending or using large amounts of money, time, energy, etc., especially in a way that is not…. Learn more.

noun a person who is wasteful of their money, possessions, etc.; spendthrift. In later years, he was a prodigal of his fortune. Synonyms: wastrel, waster

Explore the biblical meaning of "prodigal" through the Parable of the Prodigal Son, highlighting grace, redemption, and personal growth.

1. a disobedient and irresponsible son who wastes money on a life of pleasure and later returns home to ask for his parents' forgiveness.

Nov 26, 2025 · prodigal (comparative more prodigal, superlative most prodigal) He found himself guilty of prodigal spending during the holidays. The prodigal son spent his share of his …

Factsheet What does the word prodigal mean? There are 11 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word prodigal, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, …

You can describe someone as a prodigal son or daughter if they leave their family or friends, often after a period of behaving badly, and then return at a later time as a better person.

prodigal son/daughter : a son/daughter who leaves his or her parents to do things that they do not approve of but then feels sorry and returns home — often used figuratively

(often followed by of or with) Someone yielding profusely, lavish. She was a merry person, glad and prodigal of smiles. How can he be so prodigal with money on such a tight budget?