Thriftless is spelled /ˈθrɪf(t)ləs/ in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This word is composed of two parts: "thrift," meaning economical or frugal, and "-less," meaning without. The stress falls on the first syllable (/θrɪf/), and the ending "-less" is pronounced as /ləs/. "Thriftless" refers to a lack of thrift, meaning wasteful or extravagant. It is interesting to note that this word is not commonly used in modern language, as alternatives such as "wasteful" or "reckless" are more frequently used.
Thriftless is an adjective that refers to a lack of frugality, prudence, or carefulness with money or resources. It describes someone or something that is wasteful, extravagant, or irresponsible when it comes to managing finances or utilizing resources effectively.
In financial terms, thriftlessness characterizes individuals who spend lavishly without considering future consequences, disregarding the importance of saving or budgeting. They often display a lack of self-discipline or a tendency to indulge in impulse purchases or unnecessary expenses.
Thriftlessness can also refer to inefficient use of resources in a broader sense, such as energy or materials. This could encompass actions like excessive consumption, disregard for recycling or reusing, or the failure to implement sustainable practices.
The term can be applied to both individuals and organizations. A thriftless person might continually find themselves struggling with financial difficulties, constantly living beyond their means or in a state of debt. A thriftless organization may face significant resource shortages or financial instability due to mismanagement or inability to make prudent financial decisions.
In summary, thriftless is an adjective used to describe individuals or entities exhibiting a lack of careful or responsible handling of money, resources, or materials. It suggests wastefulness, extravagance, and a general disregard for the importance of financial prudence and resource management.
Profuse; extravagant.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "thriftless" originated from the combination of two words: "thrift" and the suffix "-less". The term "thrift" is derived from the Old Norse word "þrift", meaning "gain" or "prosperity". It was later adopted into Middle English as "thrift" with the same meaning.
On the other hand, the suffix "-less" is added to adjectives to indicate the absence or lack of a particular quality or attribute. It comes from the Old English suffix "-les", which developed into "-less" in Middle English. Hence, when combined, "thriftless" means without thrift or lacking the characteristics of thrift, such as frugality or economy.