Meaning of the word prodigal in English

What does prodigal mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

prodigal

US /ˈprɑː.dɪ.ɡəl/
UK /ˈprɒd.ɪ.ɡəl/

Adjective

1.

spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant

Example:
The prodigal son quickly squandered his inheritance.
Her prodigal spending habits led to financial ruin.
2.

having or giving something on a lavish scale

Example:
Nature is prodigal with her gifts.
The land was prodigal in its yield of crops.

Noun

a person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way

Example:
He returned home a repentant prodigal.
The family worried about their son, the notorious prodigal.