A person who searches for mineral deposits, especially in mountains. The original, literal meaning of the word.
A person who takes risky financial ventures, often in stocks, commodities, or business, hoping for large profits.
adventurer; impostor; con artist
A person who uses clever schemes or deception to make money, often with a connotation of being untrustworthy. Can also refer to a bold, risk-taking person in a negative sense.
His grandfather searched for gold mines as a prospector.
He is a speculator-like investor who takes big risks.
That man is a con artist and can't be trusted.
Literally 'mountain master' or 'mountain expert', originally referring to someone who knew mountains well, especially for mining. The meaning extended to a speculator or adventurer, and later to a swindler or impostor, reflecting the risky and sometimes deceptive nature of such pursuits.