noun

deadwood

DEHD-wuud

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Deadwood (noun) means Dead branches or wood still attached to a living tree, or fallen wood debris. Example: “The gardener cleared out the deadwood before spring.”

noun

Dead branches or wood still attached to a living tree, or fallen wood debris.

"The gardener cleared out the deadwood before spring."

People or things seen as no longer useful to an organisation.

"The new manager cut the deadwood from the sales team."

"Half the old software features are just deadwood now."

How to use deadwood

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDead branches on a tree, or — figuratively — people/things that are no longer pulling their weight.

Common pairings

clear the deadwood organisational deadwood cut deadwood

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: deadwoods

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Fill the gap

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The gardener cleared out the _____ before spring.

Etymology

A literal compound of dead and wood, later extended figuratively to useless people or things.

Synonyms

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fifth wheel

Rhymes for deadwood

food good wood mood hood snood blood flood brood Atwood Osgood Elwood

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Frequently asked questions

What does “deadwood” mean?

The word “deadwood” means dead branches or wood still attached to a living tree, or fallen wood debris. In plain terms, dead branches on a tree, or — figuratively — people/things that are no longer pulling their weight.

How do you pronounce “deadwood”?

“Deadwood” is pronounced DEHD-wuud (/ˈdɛd.wʊd/ in IPA).

How do you use “deadwood” in a sentence?

Here is “deadwood” used in a sentence: “The gardener cleared out the deadwood before spring.”

What part of speech is “deadwood”?

“Deadwood” is a noun.

How many meanings does “deadwood” have?

“Deadwood” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: dead branches or wood still attached to a living tree, or fallen wood debris.