The term economical usually brings thoughts of people who are careful with spending, are aware of expenses as well as avoid unnecessary expenditures. This is usually viewed as a virtue, especially when savings and budgeting are essential. However, like all traits that are characterized by a positive or negative side, frugality also has its downside.
In this piece, we’ll look at 12 important synonyms for the word “frugal” that shed an entirely different type of mindset towards resources and money as well as the way of life. If you’re talking about an individual, their behavior, or the way you choose to live, these words provide important information about the meaning.
1. Extravagant
The most well-known and obvious opposite of frugal can be described as the word extravagant. The word refers to the person who is able to afford anything and frequently in excess. It is the act of going above and beyond what is needed in most cases, usually to achieve prestige or luxury.
A person who is extravagant may buy expensive clothes frequently, host extravagant celebrations, or change their automobile every year – not for the sake of it or want to, but simply because they like the pleasures of life. Though not always a negative thing, The word can be a sign of excessive spending or ineffective routines.
2. Lavish
One more valuable antonym is lavish. Extravagant, as the word implies, means being lavish and lavish. But it is, in most instances, elegant or luxurious in style. Conspicuous consumption may be luxurious travel, good food or expensive furniture.
Unlike the idea of the word frugal, which is based on temperance and reasonable use of resources, the word lavish means generosity and extravagance, and in some cases, it is excess. This is one of those expressions that they apply to compare the concepts of luxury and simplicity.
3. Profligate
Being frugal to the extreme is one of the most radical ways. This is an individual who expends much money, especially when it comes to money and other source. Assumingly, a prudent individual is particular about his planning of their spending, whereas an impulsive one can be hasty and spend money on the fly without planning or even indulging in unsustainable habits. The term proficient has a negative shade of meaning, and the word is often used in serious contexts like financial fraud or lack of moral responsibility.
4. Spendthrift
A spendthrift is somebody who Spendthrift is someone who recklessly or carelessly Spendthrift is somebody who recklessly or carelessly expends money. It is the opposite extreme of a person who is stingy. When the thrifty person is saving dollars, the Spendthrift may spend money on things that they do not really need and may not even consider the consequences. The phrase might sound humorous, but in many cases, it implies money issues or disobedience.
5. Wasteful
The term “wasteful” stands out in stark contrast to thrifty because it emphasizes excessive use or misuse of resources. One who wastes their time could leave the lights on all day long, discard food items that can be reused or purchase things that aren’t used. It doesn’t necessarily mean that someone spends a lot of cash, but it can reveal carelessness and excess. A frugal person strives to get the most out of what they own.
6. Improvident
Improvident refers to an absence of vision, particularly in relation to finances. In contrast to frugal people who are usually focused on saving for the future, the unprovident person tends to be more naive. They can spend all they make without planning their savings or savings and do not think about the implications of their decisions in terms of finances. This concept is especially pertinent to discussions about personal finance, which is where planning and preparation are crucial.
7. Squandering
Waste is the process of throwing away something in a reckless manner. It can refer to time, money or even talents. When someone is able to spend the inheritance they’ve received on luxurious automobiles or lavish events, they’re acting in a manner that’s the exact opposite of what frugality is. The frugal person is one who values every cent and lets their wealth go to waste without a trace of the money. This word is a sign of sadness or loss of potential.
8. Unthrifty
While it’s not often employed, unthrifty is an exact antonym for “thrifty,” which itself can be a synonym for “frugal.” The unthrifty lifestyle includes a lack of discipline poo,r financial management, and a failure to stay within one’s financial means. It’s a subtle but distinct term that refers to someone who isn’t able to effectively or value their money. Manage their money or other resources.
9. Prodigal
The word prodigal is famous for the Biblical story of the prodigal child. The word can be defined as someone who is splendidly generous or rather extravagant. Something redemptive there is usually about the archetype of the prodigal (as it is portrayed both in literature and in religious contexts), yet this word is used in contrast to being a minimalist and living within the boundaries of a budget. The term is a powerful and even literary word, stressing moral and financial extravagances.
10. Luxurious
extravagant is not a negative word, but it is out of the frugal. The term luxury suggests not only affluence but also comfort and sensuality in the physical world. The luxury houses, eating out, and holidays are not the things that are normally connected with individuals who can manage to live their life in a thrifty manner. Frugal people may pursue efficiency and low price; those who desire luxury may pursue luxury, comfort and status at a price.
11. Generous
It is interesting to note that generosity can be thought of as a positive quality; however, in the correct setting, it may be in conflict with spending less. Someone who is generous can give generously without fretting about cost. Although frugal individuals can give generously, however, their donations are usually smaller or more carefully planned. On the other hand, an individual who is generous could give large amounts of money or give to others with no fear of the financial consequences.
12. Charitable
As with “generous,” the word charitable could not be seen as the exact opposite of being frugal at first sight. But, people who are frugal tend to concentrate on saving money and cutting down spending.
Charitable people tend to give more, especially to people in desperate need. Someone who is charitable may invest either time, money or even resources to help people around them, sometimes even at personal expense. Although both characteristics can co-exist and be a part of a healthy lifestyle, charity can sometimes outweigh the restrictions that are typically related to frugality.
Final Thoughts
The economy is normally concerned with control and balance and an informed choice with regard to money and resources. These values, however, are not followed by everybody. Between profligacy and waste and between liberality and profligacy, there are many possible modes of living amidst the region.
Knowing the synonyms of the word frugal can not only enable us to expand our vocabulary but will also offer us a precise means of defining the lifestyles of people, their values and routines. Whether you write or examine characters or simply ponder on the financial decisions you make, the words offer helpful and applicable information. Must Read: Expressing Gratitude to Two People: 12 Phrases Beyond “Thank You Both”