profligacy

noun

prof·​li·​ga·​cy ˈprä-fli-gə-sē How to pronounce profligacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being profligate

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
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.
Many will point to Nazareth, who entered the fray at the hour mark along with Andreia Jacinto and Lucia Alves, as the key to Portugal reducing England to a cardboard box in the rain, as well as the visitors’ own profligacy. Megan Feringa, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025 Moreover, with its commitment to fiscal profligacy not looking to abate any time soon, the world would do well to abandon ship now before an inevitable reckoning comes due. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 Two years after Sri Lankans rose up and cast out a political dynasty whose profligacy had brought economic ruin, the country is in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime reinvention. Pamodi Waravita, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2025 Jesus’ injury history and Havertz’s profligacy are concerns and both came to the fore during their FA Cup exit against Manchester United on Sunday. James McNicholas, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for profligacy

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of profligacy was in 1738

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Cite this Entry

“Profligacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profligacy. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

profligacy

noun
prof·​li·​ga·​cy ˈpräf-li-gə-sē How to pronounce profligacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being profligate

More from Merriam-Webster on profligacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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