In the following question on synonyms, out of the four given alternatives, select the one which best expresses the meaning of the word "Profligate".

Introduction / Context:
This question asks for the synonym of the word "profligate". This term appears in literature, moral philosophy, and social commentary to describe a particular kind of behaviour. You are expected to know both the general meaning and the moral shade of the word in order to pick the closest equivalent among the options.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "Profligate".
• Options: "Modest", "Immoral", "Upright", and "Virtuous".
• The word is used to describe people whose behaviour is morally careless or wasteful.
• The test is on vocabulary, not grammar.

Concept / Approach:
The word "profligate" usually means extremely wasteful in the use of resources, or shamelessly immoral and self indulgent. Historically, a "profligate person" is one who spends money recklessly and lives a morally undisciplined life. Among the options, "Immoral" is the closest in sense, because it directly conveys a lack of moral standards. The other options describe the opposite qualities, so they must be rejected.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall the meaning of "profligate": wasteful, extravagant, or shamelessly immoral.Compare this meaning with each option: "Modest" suggests humility and restraint; "Upright" suggests honesty and integrity; "Virtuous" suggests high moral standards.Notice that all three of these are positive moral qualities, opposite to the behaviour of a profligate person."Immoral" is negative and refers to actions that do not conform to accepted standards of morality.Select "Immoral" as the best synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine simple example sentences. "He led a profligate life, wasting money in gambling and parties" is similar in sense to "He led an immoral life". It would not make sense to replace "profligate" with "modest", "upright", or "virtuous" in such a sentence. This comparison confirms that "Immoral" is the only option that matches the general sense of "profligate".

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "Modest", means humble, not showing off, or limited in size or amount. This is almost the opposite of "profligate", which implies excess and waste. Option C, "Upright", refers to someone honest and morally sound. Option D, "Virtuous", refers to someone with high moral standards. Both are antonyms, not synonyms, of "profligate".

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse "profligate" with words like "profitable" because of superficial similarity in spelling. This can lead them to pick options that have nothing to do with the true meaning. It is essential to learn challenging words along with example sentences that show them in context, rather than just memorising dictionary definitions in isolation.

Final Answer:
The correct synonym for "Profligate" is Immoral.