Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
free-rider
Noun
/ˈfriːˌraɪdər/
Definition
A person or entity that benefits from resources, goods, or services without paying for them or contributing to the costs.
Examples
- Many are concerned that the free-rider problem can lead to underfunding of public services.
- Some students become free-riders in group projects, relying on others to do the work.
- The government implemented policies to reduce the number of free-riders in the welfare system.
Meaning
In economics and social sciences, a free-rider is someone who takes advantage of a public good without contributing to the effort or costs associated with providing it.
Synonyms
- Freeloader
- Parasite
- Sponger
