Choose the correct synonym of the following word from the given options:
PROFLIGATE
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Spendthrift
- Profligate means spending money or resources recklessly and wastefully; it can also mean living an immoral, pleasure-seeking life.
Example: The profligate heir spent his fortune within five years. - A spendthrift is a person who spends money wastefully. Both words describe reckless spending, so spendthrift is the synonym.
Example: Her spendthrift brother is always borrowing money.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Ethical — Incorrect. Ethical means morally right; it is nearly the opposite of profligate in its second sense.
Example: Doctors must follow ethical practices.
Option 2: Mediocre — Incorrect. Mediocre means of only average, ordinary quality.
Example: The film was mediocre at best.
Option 3: Bashful — Incorrect. Bashful means shy and easily embarrassed.
Example: The bashful child hid behind his mother.
| Synonyms (Profligate) | Antonyms (Profligate) |
|---|---|
| spendthrift | thrifty |
| wasteful | frugal |
| extravagant | economical |
| prodigal | prudent |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| profligate | 11-05 S2 14-05 S1 | 21-05 S2 31-05 S1 | – | – | – |
| mediocre | – | 21-05 S2 | – | 23-05 S2 | – |
| spendthrift | 12-05 S2 | 21-05 S2 | – | – | 17-08 S2 |