unthrifty

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //ʌnˈθrɪfti//

KK: /ʌnˈθrɪfti/

adjective

Definition

Not careful with money; spending too much or wasting resources.

Example

His unthrifty habits led him to financial trouble.

Conversation

I can't believe how much money he wasted on that party.

Right? It seems so unthrifty for such a short event.

Exactly! He could have saved so much by keeping it simple.

Totally! Sometimes less is more, you know?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

extravagant

wasteful

profligate

Antonyms

thrifty

frugal

prudent

Root Explanation

Unthrifty → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "thrifty" (from Old Norse *þrifinn*, meaning thriving or prosperous). The word "unthrifty" means not thriving or not managing resources wisely.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being combined with 'thriving' or 'prosperous' ('thrifty') to remember that 'unthrifty' describes someone who does not manage their resources well.

Visually Confused Words