profligacy

noun

ˈprä-fli-gə-sē How to pronounce profligacy (audio)
Definition of profligacynext
as in corruption
immoral conduct or practices harmful or offensive to society a religious leader who railed against the profligacy of the nation's decadent aristocrats

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of profligacy Should the Fed act imprudently, financial markets respond swiftly through rising yields or declining asset prices, mechanisms that serve as effective constraints on profligacy. — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 2 Feb. 2026 The State of Illinois and City of Chicago’s finances have been in a continuous downward spiral because of their unbalanced budgets, spending, profligacy, and inability — especially from Chicago — to deal with the staggering unfunded pension liabilities. — Joe Sanders, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026 Fiscal profligacy and political meddling in monetary policy are eroding the foundations of dollar dominance. — Lael Brainard, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025 And while challenges persist, there are already signs that hidebound profligacy is being replaced by newfound autarky. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for profligacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profligacy
  1. corruption
  2. immorality
  3. sin
  4. sinfulness
  5. evil
Noun
  • They are accused of encouraging dissent against the regime and were convicted of broad charges of corruption, CNN’s Isobel Yeung reports.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Each saw human nature as susceptible to corruption by base impulses and self-interest.
    — Donovan Fifield, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
Definition of corruption
Noun
  • Independents said the worst thing about Republicans was their loyalty to Trump (10%), perceptions of corruption and self-enrichment (8%), dishonesty, hypocrisy or immorality (7%), a lack of concern for ordinary people or cruelty (6%), and ineffective and weak or unqualified leadership (5%).
    — Emily Guskin, ABC News, 27 May 2026
  • That immorality takes on many forms across all aspects of society.
    — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 5 May 2026
Definition of immorality
Noun
  • The big mic drop at the conclusion of the finale turns out that Paula is a stone-cold (if possibly accidental) killer after all, and that the shadowy Souter Group is going to make her pay for her sins.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 15 July 2026
  • Mary’s valley of sin was exalted and Simon’s mountain of pride was made low through the love of God.
    — Eric Bashor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026
Definition of sin
Noun
  • But soon after, in Genesis 18, God tells Abraham of plans to investigate reports of sinfulness in Sodom and Gomorrah.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • Denver author Josiah Hesse was raised by Evangelical parents in churches that believe in the torments of hell, that their poverty is due to their sinfulness and lack of faith.
    — Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
Definition of sinfulness
Noun
  • Boundaries of good and evil are blurred even further with the introduction of Batman’s most iconic villain, The Joker, played by Heath Ledger, who died before the film was released.
    — Lea Tran, TheWeek, 14 July 2026
  • Damien already has a legion of followers, who are more than willing to do his bidding and bring forth a new reign of evil.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026
Definition of evil

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profligacy
profligate
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Cite this Entry

“Profligacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profligacy. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on profligacy

Nglish: Translation of profligacy for Spanish Speakers

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