deadbeat
2 synonyms for deadbeat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who avoids responsibility, especially someone who fails to pay debts or support their family.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
defaulter
idler
How to use deadbeat
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
deadbeat dad
deadbeat tenant
notorious deadbeat
Informal and quite harsh — it's a real insult, not a neutral description.
Etymology
From dead plus beat, first used for an exhausted person in the 1820s; the debt-dodger sense emerged around the American Civil War.
Full origin of deadbeat →Frequently asked questions
What does “deadbeat” mean?
The word “deadbeat” means a person who avoids responsibility, especially someone who fails to pay debts or support their family. In plain terms, someone who dodges their responsibilities, especially paying debts or supporting family.
How do you pronounce “deadbeat”?
“Deadbeat” is pronounced DEHD-beet (/ˈdɛdbiːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “deadbeat” in a sentence?
Here is “deadbeat” used in a sentence: “He was branded a deadbeat after skipping town owing three months' rent.”
What is another word for “deadbeat”?
Words with a similar meaning to “deadbeat” include idler.
What part of speech is “deadbeat”?
Depending on how it is used, “deadbeat” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “deadbeat” come from?
The word “deadbeat” dates back to around 1820. From dead plus beat, first used for an exhausted person in the 1820s; the debt-dodger sense emerged around the American Civil War.
How many meanings does “deadbeat” have?
“Deadbeat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who avoids responsibility, especially someone who fails to pay debts or support their family.
