Meaning & Definition of word "Spendthrift"

Spendthrift

/ˈspɛndˌθrɪft/

noun:

  • 1. A person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way.
    • Example: Despite his large inheritance, John was a spendthrift and soon found himself broke.
  • 2. A person who extravagantly wastes resources.
    • Example: Her spendthrift lifestyle left her family in debt and struggling to make ends meet.
  • 3. Someone who indulges in luxurious living rather than saving money.
    • Example: The spendthrift quickly bought a sports car, thinking only of the thrill, not the cost.

adjective:

  • 1. Characterized by spending money extravagantly.
    • Example: Their spendthrift ways led them to a financial crisis when unexpected bills arrived.
  • 2. Relating to someone or something that is wasteful with resources.
    • Example: The spendthrift habits of the organization resulted in significant losses over the years.

Etymology

The term 'spendthrift' is a compound word derived from 'spend' and 'thrift', originally meaning a person who spends money thoughtlessly, as 'thrift' refers to careful management of resources.

Common Phrases and Expressions

live beyond one's means:

To spend more money than one can afford.

money burns a hole in one's pocket:

To spend money quickly due to a desire to spend.

penny wise, pound foolish:

To be careful with small amounts of money but wasteful with larger sums.

Related Words

frugal:

Sparing or economical with regard to money or food.

thrifty:

Using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully.

Slang Meanings of spendthrift

Meaning: Moolah waster

Example Sentence: He's such a moolah waster; he never knows when to stop spending.

Meaning: Cash splash

Example Sentence: After winning the lottery, she went on a cash splash that left her broke.