PRODIGALITY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does prodigality mean? 

• PRODIGALITY (noun)
  The noun PRODIGALITY has 2 senses:

1. the trait of spending extravagantly

2. excessive spending

  Familiarity information: PRODIGALITY used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PRODIGALITY (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The trait of spending extravagantly

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

extravagance; prodigality; profligacy

Hypernyms ("prodigality" is a kind of...):

improvidence; shortsightedness (a lack of prudence and care by someone in the management of resources)

Derivation:

prodigal (recklessly wasteful)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Excessive spending

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

extravagance; high life; highlife; lavishness; prodigality

Hypernyms ("prodigality" is a kind of...):

dissipation; waste; wastefulness (useless or profitless activity; using or expending or consuming thoughtlessly or carelessly)

Derivation:

prodigal (recklessly wasteful)

 Context examples 

Laughter is easier, minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at a cheerful word.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)