such a spendthrift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "such a spendthrift" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who spends money extravagantly or wastefully. Example: "Despite his high salary, he is such a spendthrift that he never manages to save any money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

While they're chatting, Kristine remembers how, back in school, Nora was such a spendthrift.

The New Yorker

Such a spendthrift generation.

Forbes

When John Parker's son, Ebenezer, died prematurely, his daughter-in-law was so distraught that she camped on his grave for six months before disappearing into the stormy Pacific; Parker's grandson, Sam, was such a spendthrift ("I try everything in life except incest and folk dancing") that his uncle attempted to insure against impending bankruptcy by burying money around the ranch.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Left-wing opportunists such as the Scottish National Party SNPP), which launched a spendthrift manifesto on the day of Mr Cameron's northern tour, blame this on the cuts.

The Economist

It then fell into the hands of a spendthrift, Charles Fleetwood, whose mismanagement almost brought the theatre to ruin, despite such triumphs as Charles Macklin's revolutionary portrayal of Shylock as a tragic rather than comic character.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The wealth manager's job is to protect clients' money from risk: this includes not just from bad investments but other possibilities, such as spendthrift heirs burning through the family assets or relatives with embarrassing secrets that could make them vulnerable to blackmail.

The Guardian - Business

But I was a spendthrift.

The New York Times

Yet Keynes was anything but a spendthrift.

The New Yorker

It is not a "spendthrift" budget.

The Guardian

But he was neither a dandy nor a spendthrift.

The New Yorker

So, in the end, he's really a spendthrift, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "such a spendthrift" to describe someone whose spending habits are notably excessive and wasteful. The phrase implies a degree of carelessness or lack of financial discipline.

Common error

Avoid using "such a spendthrift" to describe someone who is simply generous. The term carries a negative connotation of wastefulness, not just a willingness to spend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a spendthrift" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to characterize an individual's behavior regarding money. It emphasizes the degree to which someone is prone to spending excessively or wastefully, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "such a spendthrift" is a descriptive phrase used to characterize someone with excessive and wasteful spending habits. While grammatically correct and appearing in credible sources such as The New York Times and The Economist, its usage is relatively rare. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and suggests it's suitable for neutral contexts like news reporting. When using this phrase, it's important to consider its negative connotation and avoid confusing it with simple generosity. Alternatives like "wasteful spender" or "financially irresponsible" may be more appropriate depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wasteful spender

Focuses on the negative aspect of wasting resources, emphasizing the lack of value received for the money spent.

a big spender

Emphasizes the act of spending large amounts of money, without necessarily implying wastefulness.

an extravagant person

Highlights the lavish and often unnecessary nature of their spending habits.

a prodigal individual

Implies a reckless and wasteful spending habit, often with a sense of moral disapproval.

a free spender

Suggests someone who is generous with their money, both for themselves and others.

a squanderer of funds

Emphasizes the act of wasting money foolishly and irresponsibly.

a money waster

A straightforward term for someone who doesn't manage money well and spends it unwisely.

a lavish consumer

Highlights the excessive consumption habits of the person.

financially irresponsible person

Describes a general lack of responsibility in managing financial matters, which may or may not involve excessive spending.

bad with money

A general, informal way to describe someone who has difficulty managing their finances effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "such a spendthrift" in a sentence?

You can use "such a spendthrift" to describe someone who spends money excessively and carelessly, like in the sentence: "Despite earning a good salary, he's "such a spendthrift" that he's always broke."

What's a more formal alternative to "such a spendthrift"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using phrases like "financially irresponsible" or "prodigal". These terms convey a similar meaning but are less colloquial than "such a spendthrift".

Is it correct to use "such a spendthrift" in a professional context?

While grammatically correct, "such a spendthrift" might be too informal for certain professional settings. Consider the audience and the specific context before using it.

What is the difference between a "spendthrift" and someone who is simply generous?

A "spendthrift" is someone who wastes money foolishly, while a generous person willingly shares their money with others. The key difference is the intention and the perceived value of the spending.