Meaning & use
deadbeat
Last updated
A person who avoids paying debts or fulfilling responsibilities, especially financial or family obligations.
See it in a sentence
The court ordered the deadbeat father to pay years of overdue child support.
Their landlord complained about deadbeat tenants who moved out owing months of rent.
A note on using this word
Deadbeat is informal and often used specifically for someone who neglects financial or parental duties, such as a 'deadbeat dad.'
Words with a similar meaning
freeloadershirker
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. adjective
Lazy or irresponsible, avoiding work or duty.
He was fired for being a deadbeat employee who missed half his shifts.
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