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Wasteful extravagance (11) - Crossword Clue
Answer: PRODIGALITY
PRODIGALITY is the answer to the crossword clue "Wasteful extravagance (11)." This 11-letter word perfectly captures the concept of reckless and lavish spending without regard for consequences or future needs.
Understanding Prodigality
- Prodigality refers to the quality of being wastefully extravagant, spending money or resources in a reckless, excessive manner. The term derives from the Latin word "prodigus," meaning wasteful or lavish.
- Someone displaying prodigality shows no restraint in their consumption, often squandering wealth on unnecessary luxuries or frivolous pursuits.
- This behavior typically leads to financial ruin and is considered a moral failing in many cultures and literary traditions.
Why This Answer Works
- The clue "Wasteful extravagance" directly defines prodigality's core meaning. The letter count (11) matches perfectly, and the word frequently appears in literary and formal contexts where crossword constructors source their vocabulary.
- Prodigality represents a specific type of wastefulness—one characterized by excessive spending and lack of restraint rather than mere carelessness.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for Latin roots: Many 11-letter abstract nouns in crosswords derive from Latin, particularly words ending in "-ity" or "-ness"
- Consider synonyms systematically: Write down all synonyms for "wasteful" and "extravagance," then combine concepts
- Check the letter pattern: If you have crossing answers, use those letters to narrow possibilities—PRODIGALITY has common letters that intersect well
- Think literary: Formal, somewhat archaic terms like prodigality appear more often in crosswords than in everyday speech
- Use word families: If you know "prodigal" (as in the biblical prodigal son), adding "-ity" creates the noun form
- Count carefully: Always verify the letter count matches before committing—many similar words are close but not exact
Wasteful extravagance (11) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between prodigality and generosity?
Prodigality involves wasteful, reckless spending without wisdom or benefit, while generosity means thoughtful giving that helps others. Prodigality serves selfish desires; generosity serves worthy purposes.
Q: Is prodigality always about money?
While typically referring to financial wastefulness, prodigality can describe squandering any valuable resource—time, talent, opportunities, or natural resources—in an excessive, careless manner.
Q: Where does the word prodigality come from?
The word stems from Latin "prodigus" (wasteful) and "prodigere" (to drive away or squander). It entered English through Old French and has been used since the 15th century.
Q: What are common crossword synonyms for prodigality?
Extravagance, profligacy, wastefulness, squandering, lavishness, and excess are frequently used alternatives, though letter counts vary. Prodigality's 11 letters make it distinctive.
Q: How is prodigality used in literature?
The concept appears prominently in morality tales and religious texts, most famously in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where it illustrates the spiritual and material consequences of wasteful living.
