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Question

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the words/sentence.

Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources

The correct answer is

Profligate

Understanding Recklessly Extravagant or Wasteful Use of Resources

The question asks us to find a single word that best describes someone who is "recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources". This phrase points to a person who uses resources, often money, carelessly and excessively, without thinking about the consequences or the future.

Analyzing the Options for Word Substitute

Let's look at the meanings of the given options to see which one fits the description:

Meaning of Profligate

The word 'Profligate' means recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources, especially money. It describes someone who spends or uses things in a wild and unrestrained way, often to the point of moral decadence or ruin.

Meaning of Churlish

The word 'Churlish' means rude in a mean-spirited and surly way. It describes someone who is impolite, ill-tempered, or ungracious. It is related to behaviour, not necessarily the use of resources.

Meaning of Harpy

The word 'Harpy' originally refers to a mythical creature, but in common usage, it describes a grasping, unpleasant woman. It implies someone who is greedy or shrewish, but doesn't directly relate to being wasteful with resources.

Meaning of Hoarder

The word 'Hoarder' means a person who accumulates and hides away a large quantity of something. This is the opposite of being wasteful; a hoarder saves and collects excessively.

Identifying the Best Substitute

Comparing the meanings, 'Profligate' directly matches the definition provided: "recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources". The other options describe different characteristics:

  • 'Churlish' describes rudeness.
  • 'Harpy' describes an unpleasant, grasping person.
  • 'Hoarder' describes someone who saves excessively, which is contrary to being wasteful.

Therefore, 'Profligate' is the most accurate single word substitute for the given phrase.

Conclusion: Best Word for Recklessly Wasteful

Based on the analysis of the options, the best word substitute for "Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources" is 'Profligate'.

Revision Table: Comparing Definitions

Word Meaning Fits the Description?
Profligate Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources. Yes
Churlish Rude in a mean-spirited way. No
Harpy A grasping, unpleasant person (often woman). No
Hoarder A person who accumulates and hides away large quantities. No

Additional Information: Related Concepts

Understanding words related to spending habits can be helpful for vocabulary building. Here are a few related terms:

  • Spendthrift: A person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way. Similar to profligate, especially regarding money.
  • Extravagant: Lacking restraint in spending money or using resources; costing a great deal.
  • Wasteful: Using or expending something carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose.
  • Frugal: Sparing or economical as regards money or food. This is an antonym to profligate.
  • Thrifty: Using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. Also an antonym.

These words highlight different aspects of how people manage or mismanage their resources.

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Important Questions from One Word Substitution

  1. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

    A glass container to keep fish

  2. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

    Something that is strong and lasts a long time without breaking or becoming weaker.

  3. Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

    A place where plants are grown for sale

  4. In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence.

    Open refusal to obey orders

  5. Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

    A doctor who specializes in heart diseases

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