What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spendthrift
Example
My friend is such a spendthrift, she always buys the latest gadgets even if she doesn't need them. [spendthrift: noun]
Example
He spent all his inheritance on a fancy car and a luxurious vacation, he's such a spendthrift. [spendthrift: adjective]
squanderer
Example
He's a squanderer of time, he spends hours playing video games instead of studying. [squanderer: noun]
Example
She squandered her savings on a failed business venture, now she's struggling to make ends meet. [squandered: verb past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spendthrift is more commonly used than squanderer in everyday language, as it specifically relates to money and spending habits. Squanderer is less common and has a broader scope, encompassing various types of wastefulness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spendthrift and squanderer?
Both spendthrift and squanderer are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as financial planning or counseling. However, spendthrift can also be used in a more casual tone to describe someone who enjoys spending money.