What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
profligacy
Example
His profligacy with money led to his bankruptcy. [profligacy: noun]
Example
She lived a life of profligacy, spending her inheritance on lavish parties and expensive vacations. [profligacy: noun]
extravagance
Example
Buying a diamond-encrusted watch is an extravagance he cannot afford. [extravagance: noun]
Example
Her taste for extravagance led her to spend thousands of dollars on designer clothes and accessories. [extravagance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Extravagance is more commonly used than profligacy in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is less strongly negative in connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between profligacy and extravagance?
Both profligacy and extravagance are formal words that are typically used in serious or critical contexts, such as financial reports or political speeches.
