Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
dead-beat
noun
/ˈdɛdˌbiːt/
Definition
A person who avoids paying debts or contributes nothing to a situation.
Examples
- Despite being a skilled worker, he has been labeled a dead-beat for not caring about his finances.
- They were tired of lending money to dead-beats who never paid them back.
- She warned her friends to avoid getting involved with any dead-beats in the community.
Meaning
The term typically refers to someone who is considered lazy, irresponsible, or dependent on others for support, often avoiding financial obligations.
Synonyms
- loafer
- ne’er-do-well
- slacker
- shirker
