profligacy

noun

prof·​li·​ga·​cy ˈprä-fli-gə-sē 

: the quality or state of being profligate

Synonyms of profligacy

• corruption
• immorality
• sin
• sinfulness
• evil

Examples of profligacy in a Sentence

a religious leader who railed against the profligacy of the nation's decadent aristocrats

Recent Examples on the Web

And while challenges persist, there are already signs that hidebound profligacy is being replaced by newfound autarky. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025

Such profligacy slows real income growth, deters hiring, discourages innovation and drives up interest rates. — Editorial, Boston Herald, 30 Mar. 2026

Such profligacy slows real income growth, deters hiring, discourages innovation and drives up interest rates. — Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026

Turkey salvaged some pride by beating the United States in their third and last game, but profligacy in front of goal was their downfall as they were dumped out of the tournament at the bottom of their group. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for profligacy

• efficacy
• malagasy
• assay
• bassi
• brassey
• brassy
• cassie
• chassis
• classy
• gassy
• glassy
• grassy

Kids Definition

profligacy

noun

prof·​li·​ga·​cy ˈpräf-li-gə-sē 

: the quality or state of being profligate