What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spendthrift
Example
My brother is a spendthrift and always ends up broke by the end of the month. [spendthrift: noun]
Example
She spent all her savings on a luxury vacation, proving herself to be quite the spendthrift. [spendthrift: adjective]
wastrel
Example
He was labeled a wastrel by his parents for dropping out of school and not pursuing any career. [wastrel: noun]
Example
The company fired him for being a wastrel and wasting too much time on non-work-related activities. [wastrel: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spendthrift is more commonly used in everyday language, while wastrel is less common and more literary. Both words are used to criticize someone's behavior and have a negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spendthrift and wastrel?
Wastrel is more formal and literary than spendthrift, which is more casual and colloquial. Both words can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the tone and audience.
