prodigal

English

Etymology

From Late Latin prodigalis (“wasteful”), from Latin prodigus (“wasteful, lavish, prodigal”), from prodigere (“to consume, squander, drive forth”), from pro (“before, forward”) + agere (“to drive”).

Adjective

prodigal (comparative more prodigal, superlative most prodigal)

wastefully extravagant.
He found himself guilty of prodigal spending during the holidays.

He is not a prodigal son.
(often followed by of or with) someone yielding profusely, lavish
She was a merry person, glad and prodigal of smiles.

How can he be so prodigal with money on such a tight budget?
profuse, lavishly abundant
returning after abandoning a person, group, or ideal, especially for selfish reasons; being a prodigal son.
- 2012 August 12, Paul Owen, “London 2012 Olympics: day 10”, The Guardian:
  Simon Hart of the Daily Telegraph has tweeted that the prodigal triple-jumper has come home, in preparation for tomorrow's qualification round.