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 him to bankruptcy. [profligacy: noun]
Example
The company's profligate use of resources resulted in environmental damage. [profligate: adjective]
prodigality
Example
The billionaire's prodigality was evident in his collection of expensive cars and yachts. [prodigality: noun]
Example
Her prodigal habits with food and drink led to health problems. [prodigal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prodigality is more commonly used than profligacy in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between profligacy and prodigality?
Both profligacy and prodigality are formal words that are typically used in written or academic contexts rather than in casual conversation.
