What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spendthrift
Example
My brother is such a spendthrift, he always buys expensive things he doesn't need. [spendthrift: noun]
Example
She spent all her savings on a luxury vacation, showing her spendthrift nature. [spendthrift: adjective]
wastefulness
Example
The company's wastefulness led to a significant increase in production costs. [wastefulness: noun]
Example
His wastefulness with electricity bills resulted in high monthly expenses. [wastefulness: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wastefulness is more commonly used than spendthrift in everyday language. Wastefulness is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, while spendthrift is less common and often used in specific financial situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spendthrift and wastefulness?
Both spendthrift and wastefulness are informal terms that are suitable for casual conversations or everyday writing. However, wastefulness can also be used in formal contexts, such as academic or professional writing, to describe inefficient or unsustainable practices.
