Profligacies

Profligacies refers to excessive and often reckless extravagance, especially in spending and using resources, or to acts of extreme immorality and corruption. It denotes a flagrant disregard for morality, decency, or established norms, leading to wastefulness, dissipation, and depravity. These actions often involve self-indulgence and a lack of concern for consequences, resulting in a decline in social standing and sometimes personal ruin. The term emphasizes a pattern of behavior, implying a consistent tendency toward reckless and immoral conduct, encompassing both material excesses and moral failings. The actions can be seen as a rejection of restraint and moderation, and a embrace of licentiousness.

Profligacies meaning with examples

• The lavish lifestyle of the royal court was rife with profligacies, from extravagant feasts and jewels to reckless building projects. The people, suffering from poverty and hunger, saw the king's actions as a betrayal of his duty and a symbol of his detachment from their struggles, resulting in a build up of resentment and ultimately revolution. This eventually led to the fall of the monarchy and the rise of the republic.
• His addiction to gambling led to a series of financial profligacies, causing his family's fortune to dwindle rapidly. He borrowed enormous sums of money, placing bets on everything from horses to cards. His insatiable desire for profit grew, making the loss of all that he had almost unavoidable. He couldn't control his urges and refused to seek help, eventually leading to the collapse of his business.
• The historical novel vividly depicts the profligacies of the elite during the Roman Empire, showcasing their orgies, corruption, and cruel entertainment. Their excessive shows of wealth and complete lack of empathy eventually led to their fall. These acts contributed to the eventual decline of the society, paving the way for unrest and the rise of new cultures and belief systems.
• After inheriting a fortune, he engaged in a string of profligacies, indulging in expensive cars, luxury vacations, and lavish parties. His careless spending quickly depleted his inheritance, leaving him facing bankruptcy. He had been raised without the understanding of hard work or consequences, which made it impossible to maintain his fortune. He eventually lost his home, friends, and his reputation.