PROFLIGACY Meaning and
Definition
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Profligacy is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being profligate. It describes excessive or reckless behavior, especially with regards to money, resources, or moral principles. Someone who embodies profligacy demonstrates a lack of self-discipline, responsibility, or restraint in their actions and decisions.
In terms of monetary profligacy, it suggests a person's extravagant or wasteful spending habits, often leading to financial instability or debt. This may involve indulging in luxurious or unnecessary purchases without consideration for the consequences or long-term impact. Profligacy can also pertain to lavish lifestyle choices, incorporating excessive partying, gambling, or engaging in other forms of leisurely indulgence that drains one's finances.
On a broader scale, profligacy extends beyond fiscal matters and encompasses the dissipation of resources, such as energy, food, or natural reserves, without regard for conservation or sustainability. It can also reference a lack of prudence in managing time or efforts, exhibiting a tendency to squander opportunities or neglect responsibilities.
Additionally, profligacy can be associated with moral decadence or licentious behavior, indicating a disregard for ethical principles or social norms. It may involve engaging in vices such as promiscuity, substance abuse, or other forms of moral debauchery.
Overall, profligacy characterizes an excessive, irresponsible, and extravagant lifestyle with regards to money, resources, or moral conduct, implying a lack of control or moderation in one's actions.
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An abandoned course of life; shameless dissipation.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PROFLIGACY
Etymology of PROFLIGACY
The word "profligacy" comes from the Latin word "profligatus", which is the past participle of the verb "profligare". "Profligare" is a compound of "pro" (meaning "forward" or "outward") and "fligere" (meaning "to strike down" or "to overthrow").
Originally, in Latin, "profligare" was used to describe the act of striking someone to the ground or overthrowing them physically. Over time, the word evolved to take on a figurative meaning, referring to the condition of being morally or financially ruined or spent excessively. From there, it shifted to its modern sense of extreme wastefulness, extravagant behavior, or reckless abandonment of moral principles, which is how "profligacy" is understood today.
Similar spelling words for PROFLIGACY
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